All 59 Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MLAs in the Tamil Nadu Assembly have decided against accepting government cars proposed for legislators, Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin said on Friday.
Speaking in the Assembly, Udhayanidhi said the decision was taken following instructions from DMK president MK Stalin. He said all 59 party legislators had signed a letter declining the vehicles and submitted it to the government through the Speaker.
The decision came after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay announced a scheme to provide official cars to all 234 MLAs.
Under the proposed scheme, each legislator would also receive Rs 75,000 per month for fuel, maintenance and driver expenses, along with Rs 25,000 monthly to hire an assistant or secretary.
OUR MLAs CAN USE THEIR OWN CARS: DMK
Udhayanidhi said the DMK’s decision was based on concerns over the state’s financial position. He pointed out that the government had itself highlighted financial constraints and argued that DMK legislators did not require the proposed vehicles.
The party said its MLAs could use their own cars according to their individual needs instead of receiving vehicles as a standard government benefit.
The issue has sparked a political dispute in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, with the ruling side defending the proposal to provide cars to legislators. The government has argued that transportation is essential for MLAs to travel across their constituencies, interact with residents and attend official programmes.
CAR IS NECESSITY: AADHAV ARJUNA
Tamil Nadu Minister for Public Works and Sports Development Aadhav Arjuna defended the government’s decision, saying cars should be considered a necessity rather than a luxury for elected representatives who have to travel extensively within their constituencies and meet people.
Arjuna also questioned Udhayanidhi’s use of a government bungalow, noting that the Leader of Opposition owns multiple houses. He raised the issue while responding to criticism of the proposed vehicle scheme.
The government’s proposal followed concerns raised by VCK legislator Jothimani over inadequate transportation facilities for MLAs.
Chief Minister Vijay said the scheme was intended to provide logistical support, particularly to first-time legislators and representatives from less privileged backgrounds, and help them carry out their constituency responsibilities.
Under the proposed arrangement, all 234 MLAs would receive government vehicles along with monthly funds for operational expenses and assistance.
The DMK, however, has maintained that its legislators will not accept the government-provided cars or the associated benefits.
The decision has added another layer to the political contest in the Assembly, with the DMK presenting its refusal as a matter of financial prudence, while the government argues that the facilities are necessary for MLAs to effectively discharge their responsibilities.
