Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president M.K. Stalin on Monday, 2 November 2026, launched a sharp attack on the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government, alleging that Tamil Nadu had lost a proposed ₹1,614 crore South Korean investment to Andhra Pradesh due to the ruling administration's indifference, while also citing a reported slowdown in the state's GST revenue growth below the national average. Stalin's broadside represents one of the most pointed economic critiques the DMK has mounted against the TVK government since it assumed power.

The Investment Diversion Allegation

Stalin claimed that South Korean investors who had been expected to set up operations in Tamil Nadu had instead redirected their ₹1,614 crore commitment to Andhra Pradesh, citing what he described as the TVK government's neglect of investment facilitation. He singled out Guidance Tamil Nadu — the state's nodal investment promotion agency — for particular criticism, alleging that the institution, which had historically been instrumental in attracting global capital and industry recognition, was now being undermined by what he called the 'arrogance' of individuals operating under the current administration.

GST Revenue Growth Falls Below National Average

The second strand of Stalin's critique focused on Tamil Nadu's GST revenue performance, which he alleged had slipped below the national average growth rate — a metric he presented as an indicator of the state's eroding economic momentum. He portrayed the slower tax revenue expansion as a direct consequence of policy neglect under TVK rule, arguing that a state historically known for its fiscal discipline and industrial base was losing ground relative to peers.

Attack on Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay

Stalin directed his sharpest personal criticism at Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, alleging that the CM neither understood nor appeared aware of the gravity of these economic developments. Rather than addressing the investment and revenue concerns, Stalin charged, Chief Minister Vijay had chosen to travel to constituencies ahead of by-elections. In a pointed aside, Stalin remarked sarcastically that the government had demonstrated how a state could shift into 'reverse gear' across multiple sectors within a remarkably short span of time.

Broader Political Context

Stalin linked both allegations — the investment diversion and the GST shortfall — to what he described as a systemic misalignment of the government's priorities, contending that economic governance and proactive investment promotion were being sacrificed while the political leadership remained focused on electoral positioning. This comes amid heightened political activity in Tamil Nadu, with by-elections drawing the attention of the ruling dispensation. Notably, Tamil Nadu has long been one of India's top industrialised states, and any perception of a slowdown in its investment competitiveness carries significant reputational weight.

Warning to the Public

Concluding his statement, Stalin issued a warning that Tamil Nadu would face severe difficulties if the TVK government's current approach continued. He urged citizens to prepare for challenging times ahead, alleging that the administration's handling of economic affairs posed a serious threat to the state's long-term growth trajectory. The TVK government had not issued an immediate response to Stalin's allegations at the time of reporting.