Governor Arlekar Targets Drug Culture as TVK Government Takes Helm

The address, marking the first session under Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, positioned the TVK-led coalition as a corrective force for a state struggling with fiscal instability. Arlekar cited a new White Paper revealing that state debt has ballooned to Rs 10 lakh crore over the last five years, effectively saddling every resident with a debt burden exceeding one lakh rupees. He attributed this financial decline to systemic corruption and revenue leakages under the former DMK government.

To address the fiscal shortfall, the government is introducing an additional privilege fee on liquor manufacturers, projected to generate Rs 1,000 crore annually. Beyond financial restructuring, the administration is prioritizing a crackdown on illicit substances and liquor regulation. The session remained volatile, however, as DMK legislators staged a walkout, wearing black badges to protest what they describe as a deteriorating law and order situation and rising violence against women and children.