Tamil Nadu’s political battle over the state government’s decision to provide vehicles to legislators has intensified, with the opposition DMK rejecting the offer for all its 59 MLAs.
Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin said on Friday that none of the DMK legislators would avail themselves of the vehicles announced by Chief Minister Vijay, citing the state government’s own claims about its financial position.
“Since the TVK 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, according to news agency ANI.
He also suggested that the government should first examine the financial circumstances of individual legislators before providing them with publicly funded vehicles.
Udhayanidhi questions use of public money
The DMK leader urged the government to verify whether MLAs already own vehicles and examine their election affidavits and financial status before extending the benefit.
The criticism follows an earlier objection from DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai, who argued that spending public money on vehicles for legislators should not be treated as a priority.
Annadurai questioned how the government could justify the expenditure after claiming that the state’s finances were in difficult condition.
Vijay government defends free vehicle scheme
The ruling side has defended the decision, arguing that providing vehicles to legislators is intended to help them carry out their constituency responsibilities.
Minister Adhav Arjuna said the chief minister’s objective was to treat all MLAs equally. He argued that some legislators, particularly those belonging to smaller parties, have limited financial resources and may not own personal vehicles.
According to the minister, government-provided vehicles would help MLAs travel across their constituencies and inspect development work.
Why did Vijay announce vehicles for all MLAs?
The decision followed a request from Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) MLA LE Jothimani, who had reportedly raised concerns about the difficulty of travelling to the Secretariat without a personal vehicle.
In response, Vijay announced that government vehicles would be provided to all members of the Tamil Nadu Assembly.
“Several MLAs do not own a personal vehicle, making it difficult for them to inspect and review constituency work,” Vijay said while announcing the move.
The chief minister described vehicles as a basic requirement for legislators to carry out their responsibilities.
₹75,000 monthly vehicle allowance
Under the proposal, the government will provide a ₹75,000 monthly allowance towards expenses such as the driver’s salary, fuel and vehicle maintenance.
An additional ₹25,000 will be provided for appointing an assistant to handle office-related work.
Vijay said the necessary amendments would be made to the relevant law and official orders would subsequently be issued.
The decision has now triggered a political debate over whether providing vehicles and allowances to MLAs is a necessary administrative facility or an avoidable burden on the state exchequer.
With the DMK refusing the benefit, the controversy is likely to remain a point of political contention between the opposition and the Vijay-led government.
