Karaikudi, April 23 (IANS) Former Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram cast his vote in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections on Thursday and expressed confidence that the Secular Progressive Alliance will return to power in the state.
Polling for the high-stakes Tamil Nadu Assembly elections across all 234 constituencies began at 7 a.m., with over 5.73 crore eligible voters set to decide the fate of 4,023 candidates in a fiercely contested four-cornered battle.
The electoral contest primarily features the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance, Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), making this one of the most competitive elections in recent years.
After casting his ballot at Chittal Aachi Memorial High School near Karaikudi, senior Congress leader Chidambaram told reporters that voters across the state are focused on three key priorities.
“Across Tamil Nadu, the expectations that are resonating are threefold: the need for a stable government, growth, and welfare schemes for the people. I am confident that the DMK government, which has delivered on these three, will be formed, and that the Secular Progressive Alliance will be in power for another five years,” he said.
He also voiced confidence that a stable government led by the alliance would be capable of managing the state’s finances and addressing its rising debt burden.
During the Budget Session, Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu had stated that, as per the Interim Budget Estimates for 2026–27, the state’s outstanding debt is projected to reach Rs 10.71 lakh crore.
Responding to concerns over the debt, Chidambaram maintained that it can be handled with proper financial planning.
“There won’t be any problem. There are ministers. There are capable officials. When preparing the budget, both the state’s own revenue and the Central government’s revenue should be taken into account, and the necessary budget should be drawn up. This applies to the Central government as well as the state government,” he said.
He further stressed that borrowing is a normal economic practice and should not be viewed negatively if managed prudently.
“A stable, strong government will definitely manage the budget properly. How much debt does the Central government have? There is nothing wrong with borrowing — all countries borrow. It’s not just Tamil Nadu that borrows. The key is whether the debt can be serviced, meaning whether we can pay the interest on the loan — that’s the calculation,” he added.
Chidambaram also took issue with the use of the term “freebie” in political discourse, arguing that welfare measures should be seen differently.
“I reject the term ‘freebie’. It is not a freebie. I have said this many times. Universal Basic Income — they are repeatedly providing it so that everyone across Tamil Nadu has a basic income. UBI — we should see it as ensuring that everyone receives a minimum income. It should not be viewed as a freebie,” he said.
The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4, when the electoral verdict will determine the next government in Tamil Nadu.
–IANS
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