Tamil Nadu government announces cars and allowances for all MLAs

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has announced a new policy to provide all 234 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) with official cars, drivers, and monthly allowances. The package includes Rs 75,000 per month for vehicle maintenance and fuel, plus Rs 25,000 for an office assistant, bringing the total monthly benefit to approximately Rs 1 lakh per legislator.

The decision has sparked significant political controversy. Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin stated that 59 DMK legislators will reject the offer, arguing that the state is facing a heavy debt burden and should limit such benefits to economically disadvantaged MLAs. He noted that many MLAs already possess significant personal assets according to their election affidavits.

In response, Minister Adhav Arjuna defended the proposal, stating the scheme is intended to apply equally to all members as a matter of protocol. The controversy is further complicated by reports that some legislators who requested the vehicles claimed to lack personal transport, despite declaring vehicles in their official election affidavits.