59 DMK MLAs Refuse Vijay’s Free Vehicle Offer (Img: X)
Chennai: A political row has erupted in Tamil Nadu after Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay announced free official vehicles and allowances for all state legislators. The opposition DMK has rejected the offer, citing concerns over the state’s financial condition.
Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin said that all 59 DMK MLAs have decided not to accept the government’s offer, arguing that public money should be used carefully amid rising debt concerns.
Udhayanidhi Stalin said that since the TVK government has repeatedly claimed that the state is facing financial challenges, DMK legislators will not take advantage of the vehicle scheme.
“Since the government has been saying from day one after assuming power that the government is in debt, all 59 DMK MLAs have decided not to avail this offer,” Udhayanidhi said.
He also suggested that the government should first verify the financial status of MLAs, including their election affidavits, existing vehicle ownership and personal assets, before providing such benefits.
DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai criticised the move, saying that spending public funds on vehicles for legislators was not a priority. He questioned how the government would implement such promises when it had earlier spoken about financial constraints and limited resources.
Tamil Nadu Minister Adhav Arjuna defended the decision, saying the move was aimed at helping all MLAs, especially those who may not have personal vehicles.
He said many legislators from smaller parties, including VCK and Communist parties, face difficulties travelling across their constituencies. According to him, vehicles are not a luxury but a necessity for representatives to carry out public work.
The decision was announced after VCK MLA L.E. Jothimani highlighted difficulties in travelling to the state Secretariat and requested support.
Vijay said that all MLAs would be provided government vehicles and announced financial assistance for related expenses.
Under the proposal:
Vijay said necessary amendments would be made to existing laws and official orders would be issued to implement the scheme.
