Published Apr 13, 2026 | 1:47 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 13, 2026 | 1:47 PM
Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu presenting the state budget.
Synopsis: Speaking with South First, Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu dismisses concerns over state debt, defends the DMK’s welfare-driven growth model, and asserts there is no political threat to the party ahead of elections. He also criticises the AIADMK as having “almost become a BJP branch” in Tamil Nadu, framing the election as a fight to protect the state’s autonomy against the Union government.
With just days left for voters in Tamil Nadu to cast their votes in the Assembly elections, South First spoke to state Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu, who is contesting from the Tiruchuli constituency, in between his campaigning.
A three-time MLA from the seat and a key intellectual voice of the DMK, Thennarasu spoke at length about governance, economic growth, welfare schemes, opposition criticism, and the political landscape ahead of the elections.
The voting for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections will be held on 23 April, and the results will be declared on 4 May.
Q: People say that you are a very grounded politician. What keeps you more connected to the people and simpler even after getting power?
A: See, this is my home village. I was born and brought up here. My entire life revolves completely around them.
I have been nurtured here, I have been trained here; the value system I have is developed from what I have learned from them.
When I got into public life in late 1998, I took a vow that I should really live among them, just as Anna told everyone who wishes to get into public life.
I thought it would be appropriate for me to live among my people, to learn from them, serve them and know from them.
In my understanding of all these things, I thought it should be appropriate that I feel that I am one among them, and I am endeared to them. And it is very particular for me that I should be seen as a person who lives with them, who is with them and who is one among them.
Q: In the last five years under the DMK rule, Tamil Nadu has achieved huge growth, especially the double-digit growth in the state economy. Do you think this will convert into votes for this election?
A: Definitely, but this is not merely for votes or for elections. When we talk about economic growth or the fruits of economic growth, I feel like it should ultimately serve the public and society in the long term. So these are all planned for the long term.
The benefits of such developments, be it industrial growth or your economic growth, should really be in a position to help the upcoming generations.
What we plan today is for our future generations. So this economic growth, per capita income or whatever terminology associated with finance and economic development, should ultimately aim for the future development and the betterment of our upcoming generations.
Definitely, this is not something which is connected to or concerned with the polls or the outcome of the polls.
Q: Even after these many developments, youngsters and the new political leaders say that DMK has done nothing for Tamil Nadu. How do you feel when you hear these comments?
A: It is unfortunate if anyone feels so; whatever we have done is tangible.
We have now done a lot more welfare funding (compared to previous governments). The benefits of that funding are now reflected across the society.
When you talk about the entire society, be it women, children, disabled persons or any other group, the schemes that the Dravidian model government has offered to society at large have really helped every household.
Moreover, every household in the state has gained benefits that are felt across the entire social system. So, if anyone says that nothing has happened, I can only feel sorry for them.
Q: Nowadays, youngsters blindly follow their leaders, even if they are new entrants or celebrities. People don’t question the leaders. Don’t you think this is the failure of Dravidian politics?
A: No, I won’t say it is a failure, but I would say that there is still a need for educating them.
It is time for all who are concerned about the future of our generation, or who are very much into the political system of this country, to guide the younger generation.
It’s high time that they are in a position to have a system by which we educate them, inculcate the best (political) practices and help the younger generation understand what is right for them and what is actually best for them in the long run.
As you know very well, there is a fan following everywhere, but that should not really go beyond a limit. And there should never be a situation where we would compromise our own value systems, our own welfare of the state.
Q: The opposition parties, including the BJP and AIADMK, say Tamil Nadu’s debt is alarming. Is that fear-mongering or a real issue?
A: It is completely false propaganda. It is completely politically motivated. In fact, I would even say it is their design to really get into mudslinging against the ruling party.
The debt, as I have already explained in detail on the floor of the Assembly, is very much under control and within the limits prescribed by the Finance Commission.
I have given ample explanations in this regard. So, we are quite confident that all fiscal positions, be it fiscal deficit or revenue deficit, we have brought them down to the permissible limits, and the debt is actually still within the permissible limits. I am sure that we can always manage our finances prudently.
Q: Are schemes like Magalir Urimai Thogai and promises like ₹8,000 assistance financially feasible?
A: When there is a will, there is a way, I would say. And I have been told the debt is not alarming. It is well within the permissible limits, and we will find our own means and ways.
For example, when we said that we are going to implement the Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme — which provides ₹1000 assistance (Urimai Thogai) to the womenfolk of Tamil Nadu who are eligible for it — many said it would not be possible. Even the Leader of Opposition (in the state Assembly) was not only sceptical, but also categorical in saying that it was something that could not happen.
Even a few economists or people with more knowledge in this area felt this may not be feasible. But what happened? We actually delivered our promises. We have fulfilled it.
The best part is that we have increased the number of people who are getting those benefits. From the initial 1.15 crore beneficiaries, it has now been increased to 1.31 crore.
Which means what? The government’s financial position is steady, and we have been able to deliver those schemes. When that could happen, this will also happen.
Q: Why is this election more important than ever?
A: Our Chief Minister, our Leader, MK Stalin, has made it very clear. It is now a fight between Tamil Nadu and Delhi. We don’t want Tamil Nadu to be dictated by Delhi.
When Delhi is hell-bent to refuse or decline the funds that are actually due for the state of Tamil Nadu, it is for us to really stand up and say, “Look, we are now not being given what we should receive from the Union government. They are really going in a very vindictive manner.”
Q: The BJP-led Union government says that under the NDA regime, the funds for Tamil Nadu have been tripled.
A: No, if that is the case, why should they decline funds for the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, Jal Jeevan mission or for the metro projects, or even MGNREGA projects?
The actual due, the financial share that we owe, the fiscal share that we should get, both from the Finance Commission as well as from the Union government through their centrally sponsored schemes, have not been allotted to us.
We have been saying this time and again that the Tamil Nadu government is receiving stepmotherly treatment for reasons best known to everyone, because we stand right on certain policy matters.
They want us to really bend to them on certain things, which we have refused. Just because we stand alone and raise our voice for our rights, the Union government is declining to allot us the funds.
Q: Is AIADMK under the BJP’s control?
A: It is a very, very unfortunate situation. A party which was formed and groomed by leaders like the late Makkal Thilagam MGR or Madam Jayalalithaa is now in a very sorry state of affairs.
It has almost become a branch of the BJP in Tamil Nadu. So it is really unfortunate. That is what I could say.
Q: Who is the real threat to DMK — Vijay or NDA?
A: There is no threat. I don’t see any threat to us. We have done so many good things for the people, and the people have realised it, and the people have complete confidence in the chief minister of Tamil Nadu.
They feel that DMK is a party that can be relied on, which will definitely take care of their needs and serve their generations.
I don’t think that there is any specific or imminent threat to the party. Definitely not.
Q: There is a perception that youngsters are supporting Vijay, and he will definitely win.
A: You will have to really wait and see for the results. That will give you the right answer.
Not only Vijay. I don’t see any threat from any quarters. DMK is a party which has been there for more than 75 years. And we have seen so much, and we have crossed so much.
Kalaignar once said, Thendralai theendiyadhu illai; theeyai thaandi irukkiren (we have conquered fire, not breeze). We have seen so much in our political life, and I don’t think there is any threat to DMK at any point in time.
Q: How many seats are you expecting?
A: I don’t want to really speculate on numbers. We will definitely be forming the government on our own. We will get an absolute majority. As our leader has already told us, our aim is a minimum of 200 seats. I am very sure that we will get that.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
