Chennai
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay’s decision to provide government cars to all MLAs has triggered a political debate, with the opposition DMK announcing that its legislators will not accept the vehicles.
Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin said on Friday that all 59 DMK MLAs had decided to reject the cars and had informed Assembly Speaker J C D Prabhakar about their decision. He suggested that the government should provide vehicles only to legislators who genuinely need them, after reviewing their financial status as declared in election affidavits.
Vijay had announced on August 19 that every MLA would receive a government car along with ₹1 lakh as an allowance for fuel expenses and hiring a personal assistant. The Chief Minister said the facilities would help legislators serve their constituencies more effectively.
The announcement has drawn criticism from opposition parties and activists, particularly amid concerns over Tamil Nadu’s financial position and the government’s earlier emphasis on reducing borrowing. Public Works Minister Aadhav Arjuna defended the scheme, saying a car is a basic requirement for an MLA to travel and meet people.
The CPI said its MLA did not require a government vehicle, while the PMK suggested that cars should be given only to legislators who do not already own one. Congress and AIADMK have not clearly stated their positions
The dispute has added to the political debate over government spending and benefits for elected representatives, with parties divided over whether the proposed facilities are necessary.