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Tamil Nadu Leader of the Opposition, Udhayanidhi Stalin on Friday, August 21, said that all 59 Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MLAs will not accept the new cars considering the government’s statement that the state finances were not good. Earlier, Chief Minister Joseph Vijay had announced in the Assembly that all the legislators would receive a car and Rs 75,000 monthly vehicle allowance for constituency-related work.
Udhayanidhi said, “DMK members do not need government cars. Cars should be given to those who are struggling, taking into account the state's economic situation. The vehicles should be given (to MLAs) after looking at the assets' value mentioned in the election affidavit.”
Referring to the government’s allegation that the treasury was empty, Udhayanidhi said, "From the day the government assumed office, the allegation has been that the treasury is empty. The DMK’s stand is that cars are not needed. Let them buy cars for those who need them." He also added that the decision was taken in the direction of former Chief Minister MK Stalin.
Minister Aadhav Arjuna said the cars would help the MLAs meet people in their constituencies. “Many newly elected MLAs come from humble backgrounds. There is an MLA from Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) who travels by public bus. This initiative ensures equality."
VCK MLA LE Jothimani from the Kattumannarkoil constituency requested a car from the state government.
Hitting back at Udayanidhi, Aadhav said he was living in an official government residence despite owning multiple bungalows. DMK MLA KN Nehru pointed out that as Leader of Opposition, Udhayanidhi was allowed to avail government accommodation, as he has a cabinet-rank post.
Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) leader Sowmiya Anbumani said that the money could be used to build paddy procurement centres, and two of their MLAs would not take the cars. Communist Party of India (CPI) floor leader T Ramachandran also said that the party would turn down the cars.
This story was written by a student interning with TNM.