DMK said all 59 of its MLAs would not accept government vehicles offered by the Vijay administration.
Udhayanidhi Stalin cited Tamil Nadu’s debt and questioned the scheme’s consistency with TVK’s stand on freebies.
The government defended the move, saying official vehicles would help legislators carry out constituency work.
The Tamil Nadu Assembly witnessed a sharp exchange on Friday after the Opposition DMK announced that its 59 legislators would not accept government vehicles offered to all 234 MLAs by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.
Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin said the decision was taken in view of the state’s financial position, pointing to the TVK government’s repeated references to Tamil Nadu’s debt since coming to power. The government, however, defended the scheme as logistical support for legislators carrying out constituency work.
“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. We urge the government to provide free cars to MLAs only after verifying their election affidavits--whether they already own cars and what their financial status is,” Udhayanidhi said.
He also questioned the ruling party’s position on government spending.
“TVK said they were against freebies and kept saying the government is in debt; hence, we decided not to accept the offer to reduce the government's debt burden,” he said.
Government Defends Vehicle Scheme
Responding to the DMK, Minister Aadhav Arjuna said the scheme was designed to extend the same facility to legislators across political parties.
He argued that some MLAs, particularly those from smaller parties, did not own vehicles and required transport to travel extensively within their constituencies.
“Many of our MLAs really don't have a house and car. Left party MLAs don't have. When we make an announcement, it will be common to all. TVK's stance is clear - those who already have a car will not apply for the govt vehicle,” the minister said.
Arjuna also questioned Udhayanidhi’s criticism of the scheme by referring to the government accommodation provided to the Leader of Opposition.
“The chief minister made the announcement treating all MLAs equally. If the LoP doesn't want a car, why is he staying in government quarters when he has three bungalows?” he asked.
Vijay Says Vehicles Will Help Constituency Work
Vijay announced the scheme in the Assembly on Wednesday, saying government vehicles would help legislators travel through their constituencies and respond to public grievances. The benefit is intended for all 234 MLAs irrespective of party affiliation.
“MLAs need to travel to their constituencies frequently to address people's problems. Government vehicle will ensure transparent and corruption free governance,” the Chief Minister said while announcing the measure.
The government has said several members of the current Assembly are first-time legislators and come from modest financial backgrounds.
The announcement followed a request from VCK MLA Jothimani, who had argued that legislators needed adequate logistical support to perform their constituency duties.
Under the scheme announced by the government, MLAs will be provided an official vehicle along with a monthly vehicle allowance of ₹75,000.
The DMK’s decision not to avail the vehicles has now turned the welfare measure for legislators into a political dispute over government expenditure and the state’s finances.
