K.G. Arunraj, recently appointed Minister in Tamil Nadu, criticized the Dravidian parties, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), for losing their initial idealism and becoming ensnared in a cycle of corruption and cash-for-votes. He stated that despite their past contributions to social justice, both parties are now unable to enact positive change due to their compromised positions. Arunraj, who transitioned from a medical and civil service background to politics, highlighted the necessity of empathy in governance to better understand and address citizens' needs. He asserted that Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), his party, is committed to secular social justice and welfare measures while also focusing on economic growth. He acknowledged the challenges posed by Tamil Nadu's significant debt, estimated at over ₹10 lakh crore (approximately $1.2 billion USD), but expressed confidence in reducing corruption, which he claimed previously siphoned off 30%-40% of government spending. Arunraj also mentioned that the coalition government, which may include the Congress party, would foster collaborative governance, contrasting with the Dravidian parties' historical reluctance to share power.