Tamil Nadu Debt Controversy: Congress Leader’s Post Strains DMK Alliance

A sharp comment by senior Congress functionary Praveen Chakravarthy on Tamil Nadu's debt levels has triggered an embarrassing public spat with alliance partner Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), just months ahead of the crucial 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Chakravarthy, who heads the Congress's professional wing, posted on X that Tamil Nadu has the "highest outstanding debt among all states," describing the levels as "alarming" and highlighting high interest payments (third highest in India) and an elevated debt-to-GDP ratio. The remark came as a direct rebuttal to DMK MP Kanimozhi's praise for her party's government, which she claimed had transformed Tamil Nadu into an "advanced and developed state."

The timing of Chakravarthy's post could not have been worse for the INDIA alliance, as Congress and DMK are set to contest the upcoming state polls together. DMK leaders reacted swiftly and strongly. Tamil Nadu Industries Minister Dr. TRB Rajaa dismissed the comment as a distraction from a "private agenda," urging focus on the "larger war" against forces trying to hinder the state's growth, while ending his response with the cryptic internet slang "IYKYK." Former Rajya Sabha MP MM Abdulla accused Chakravarthy of fear-mongering, defended the borrowings as necessary for capital investment and asset creation, and pointed to the state's robust economic growth of 39% over the past five years, adding Rs 17.3 lakh crore to its economy.

The Congress quickly moved to contain the damage and defend its ally. Party MP Jothimani termed the comparison with Uttar Pradesh "unfair," emphasizing Tamil Nadu's impressive strides in education, healthcare, industrial development, and social justice under DMK rule. The episode has exposed internal coordination challenges within the opposition alliance, especially as Tamil Nadu remains a key battleground state where the DMK-Congress partnership has been crucial in recent elections.

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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wasted no time in capitalizing on the controversy. Former Tamil Nadu BJP chief K. Annamalai accused the DMK of distorting economic data to claim an "advanced economy," while highlighting the doubling of the state's debt during its tenure. BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan described the incident as a "shocking self-goal" by Congress, mocking the party for inadvertently exposing the "disastrous failure model" of the DMK government and questioning whether Rahul Gandhi concurred with the assessment of his ally's performance.

This latest row comes amid a series of internal and alliance-related controversies for Congress, adding pressure as the party seeks to strengthen its position in southern India ahead of the 2026 polls. While the DMK has defended its fiscal management as responsible investment for development, the public criticism from a prominent Congress voice has handed the BJP a fresh talking point to target the ruling alliance in the state. Political observers note that such public disagreements could undermine the unity message the INDIA bloc has been trying to project nationally.

The incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required in multi-party alliances, particularly when economic data and governance records become flashpoints. With the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections expected in April-May 2026, both Congress and DMK will now be keen to downplay the episode and refocus on their common electoral strategy against the BJP.

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