The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Friday yet again witnessed a debate over the State government’s decision to buy new cars for MLAs.

The topic became a point of discussion after DMK MLA G.V. Markandayan said the TVK government, which promised “change”, should focus on implementing their promises such as ₹2,500 per month for women, and providing six domestic LPG cylinders free of cost among others, instead of providing cars to the MLAs.

Law Minister C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar.

R. RAGU

Responding to this, Law Minister C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar said the cars were being provided so that MLAs could visit the length and breadth of their constituencies, and alleged that he had been told by people in villages that Mr. Markandayan had never met them.

Health Minister K.G. Arun Raj said it had been only 100 days since the TVK had formed the government but the Chief Minister [C. Joseph Vijay] has been implementing his promises.

Poll promises

“Today, we are giving approvals to building construction without taking money/square foot. How are you saying there is no change? Despite knowing why finances were bad, why did you [erstwhile DMK government] say you will build a “Pen” memorial [at the Marina, in memory of late Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi]?” he asked.

On his part, Revenue Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan questioned the DMK for organising the “car race” (Formula 4 night race) in August/September 2024. To this, DMK deputy floor leader K.N. Nehru, said the former Sports Minister (Udhayanidhi Stalin) organised several sporting events such as chess, hockey competitions and also the car-racing event.

Mr. Udhayanidhi responded: “Our leader [former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin] said that whoever [MLA] needed a car, can be given one. The DMK legislators need not be given cars. There is now a debate on car racing. It was an international race. We organised a night race for the first time in Asia. We did it. At the time, many went to court saying it was not safe. But the court allowed it. You are not belittling us, you are belittling motor sport racers.”