Former Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram participated in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections and expressed confidence in the Secular Progressive Alliance’s return to power in the state. The elections, covering all 234 constituencies with over 5.73 crore eligible voters, involve 4,023 candidates in a competitive four-cornered battle. The main contenders are the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance, Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
After casting his vote at Chittal Aachi Memorial High School near Karaikudi, Chidambaram highlighted the voters’ focus on the need for a stable government, growth, and welfare schemes. He expressed certainty in the DMK government’s ability to fulfill these expectations and anticipated the Secular Progressive Alliance’s victory for another five years. Chidambaram also emphasized the importance of effective financial management by a stable government to handle the state’s rising debt burden.
During the Budget Session, Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu projected the state’s outstanding debt to reach Rs 10.71 lakh crore by 2026–27 as per the Interim Budget Estimates. Chidambaram addressed concerns over the debt, stating that proper financial planning could manage it effectively. He defended borrowing as a common economic practice, emphasizing the importance of prudent management to ensure debt servicing capability.
Chidambaram criticized the term “freebie” in political discussions, advocating for a different perspective on welfare measures. He rejected the notion of freebies, emphasizing the concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI) as a means to provide a minimum income for all residents in Tamil Nadu. The electoral verdict on May 4 will reveal the next government in Tamil Nadu.
