CHENNAI: Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin on Friday said none of the 59 DMK MLAs will accept new cars, which the government offered to all legislators for constituency-related work. “DMK members do not need government cars. Considering the economic situation (of the state), cars should be provided to those who are facing difficulties. The vehicles should be given (to MLAs) after looking at the assets value mentioned in the election affidavit,” Udhayanidhi said in the Assembly.
“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 added. Minister Aadhav Arjuna, however, defended the move, saying it was intended to help MLAs meet people in their constituencies.
“This is not luxury. The intention is that MLAs should meet the people,” he said, pointing to the CPI MLAs. The minister also clarified that TVK legislators who already owned cars would not seek government vehicles.
During the debate, CPI MLA T Ramachandran said his party was against the provision of cars. PMK MLA A Ganeshkumar said government vehicles should be provided only to legislators who were economically disadvantaged. It may be recalled that Ganeshkumar — a two-time MLA — had earlier asked if the cars were only for first-time MLAs. He even wholeheartedly thanked the CM after the Speaker informed the House that it was for everyone.
The discussion also saw a sharp exchange over government accommodation for the Leader of the Opposition. Aadhav Arjuna questioned whether Udhayanidhi, who has multiple houses, would forgo a government bungalow. Responding to this, DMK senior leader and MLA KN Nehru said the Leader of Opposition was entitled to government accommodation as he holds a ministerial rank post.