MK Stalin (former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu) quickly responded to new Chief Minister Vijay's claims regarding the state's debt during his inaugural speech. Vijay asserted that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) left behind a debt of ₹10 lakh crore (approximately $1.2 trillion USD), prompting Stalin to clarify that the debt is manageable and within permissible limits. He urged the new government not to mislead the public about the state's finances, emphasizing that the DMK had successfully implemented various welfare schemes despite facing significant challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters. Over the past decade, Tamil Nadu's debt has surged from ₹2.8 lakh crore in 2016-17 to ₹10.6 lakh crore in 2026-27. In response to his election, Vijay announced initiatives including 200 units of free power supply and task forces for women’s safety and drug issues, while also committing to prioritize education, health, and support for farmers and fishermen. He will face a floor test in the Assembly by May 13.