DMK MLAs Reject Government Cars in Tamil Nadu Assembly Debate

Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin announced in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly in Chennai that all 59 DMK legislators will not accept cars planned to be provided by the government, pointing to statements from the government regarding a severe financial crisis.

Speaking during House proceedings, Udhayanidhi Stalin questioned the TVK government's decision to allocate vehicles to MLAs after previously accusing the former administration of depleting state funds through public welfare measures. He noted that if vehicles were to be given, they should go only to legislators who do not own vehicles according to their election nomination affidavits.

The proposal led to a heated exchange in the Assembly between Udhayanidhi Stalin and PWD Minister Aadhav Arjuna. Arjuna defended the scheme, stating that Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay had announced the initiative following a request by a VCK MLA. Arjuna clarified that legislators who already own cars, including TVK members with personal vehicles, would not be eligible to receive them.

During the debate, Arjuna also addressed personal housing arrangements, prompting DMK legislator K N Nehru to clarify that the Leader of the Opposition uses a government bungalow to carry out official duties, while reiterating that DMK MLAs do not require cars. Arjuna maintained that providing vehicles is not a luxury, but a measure to assist legislators in fulfilling their duties and visiting constituents.

Other political parties voiced differing views on the proposal during the session. PMK member Ganesh Kumar supported the move, stating that cars are essential for economically backward MLAs and noting that two members in his party qualify. In contrast, CPI member Thali Ramachandran stated that his party opposes providing government cars to MLAs.

Additionally, Udhayanidhi Stalin raised concerns over expunged Assembly remarks being circulated as short video reels on social media platforms despite live telecasts. He commended Speaker J C D Prabhakar for giving opposition members time to speak and expunging unsubstantiated remarks, but asked what action would be taken regarding their continued spread online. He also called on the Chief Minister to make public the contents of three DMK-related files mentioned during previous remarks in the House.