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The controversy began after Congress functionary Praveen Chakravarty posted a message on X, calling Tamil Nadu’s debt situation “alarming”.
Congress functionary Praveen Chakravarty (left) and DMK MP Kanimozhi (right).
A fresh political rift has surfaced between the Congress and the DMK in Tamil Nadu ahead of next year’s Assembly elections, with sharp exchanges over the state’s debt situation.
The disagreement has drawn attention within the ruling alliance and given the BJP an opportunity to take a dig at both parties.
Congress’ Praveen Chakravarty’s tweet sparks row
The controversy began after Congress functionary Praveen Chakravarty posted a message on X, calling Tamil Nadu’s debt situation “alarming”. Responding to DMK MP Kanimozhi’s claim that the state had grown under the DMK despite debt, Chakravarty compared Tamil Nadu with Uttar Pradesh.
He said that in 2010, Uttar Pradesh had more than double the debt of Tamil Nadu, but now Tamil Nadu’s debt is higher. He added that Tamil Nadu’s interest burden is the third highest after Punjab and Haryana, and that its debt-to-GDP ratio remains much higher than pre-Covid levels.
DMK responds
The DMK reacted sharply to Chakravarty’s remarks. Party spokesperson Salem Dharanidharan said Tamil Nadu is among the best-performing states in terms of economic health. He pointed out that the state’s per capita GDP, which reflects average individual income, has increased sharply and is far ahead of Uttar Pradesh and even the national average.
Former DMK MP Dr S Senthil Kumar went further, suggesting political motives behind the Congress leader’s comments. He claimed the Congress was looking for alternative alliance options in Tamil Nadu and said some party leaders were acting under pressure from internal factions.
Congress leaders seek damage control
Within the Congress, efforts were made to soften the impact of the remarks. MP Jothimani said it was unfair to compare Tamil Nadu with Uttar Pradesh. She stressed that Tamil Nadu is far ahead in infrastructure and development and should not be placed alongside UP for comparison.
BJP seizes the moment
The BJP welcomed Praveen Chakravarty’s statement, calling it a “self goal” by the Congress. The party said the open disagreement showed cracks within the Congress-DMK alliance in Tamil Nadu.
The war of words has exposed the differences between the two allies of India Bloc, raising questions about coordination and messaging within the alliance ahead of future political battles.
December 29, 2025, 10:19 IST
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