Car, Rs 1 Lakh Allowance: Vijay Announces Major Perks for Tamil Nadu MLAs

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay has announced a new set of benefits for all 234 MLAs, including government cars, a monthly allowance for fuel and vehicle maintenance, and financial support to hire a secretary. The Chief Minister said the government would provide each legislator with an official vehicle to help them regularly travel across their constituencies and address public concerns. Defending the decision in the Assembly, Vijay said better logistical support would allow MLAs to carry out their responsibilities more efficiently and contribute to transparent and corruption-free administration.

The government also pointed out that many members of the current Assembly are first-time legislators from modest backgrounds. According to Vijay, providing them with vehicles would make it easier for them to perform their duties as elected representatives. The announcement followed a request from VCK MLA Jothimani, who had argued that legislators require adequate logistical facilities to work effectively in their constituencies.

Under the new arrangement, MLAs will receive ₹75,000 per month toward expenses related to their official vehicle, including the driver, fuel and maintenance. In addition, the state will provide ₹25,000 per month to help each MLA appoint a secretary for official responsibilities. The proposal received an enthusiastic response from several legislators. TVK MLA Sindhu even sang the popular MGR song “Kodutthathellam Kodutthan” in the Assembly as a gesture of appreciation. Vijay was seen smiling as other members applauded and thumped their desks.

Congress MLA and TVK ally Tharagai Cuthbert also welcomed the decision, saying the announcement had made legislators happy. She suggested that even opposition members would appreciate the move, although they might be reluctant to publicly acknowledge it. School Education Minister Raj Mohan defended the government's decision as well, arguing that the scheme could have benefits beyond supporting MLAs. He said hiring drivers and secretaries would also generate employment opportunities.

The announcement, however, has drawn criticism from the opposition DMK, which described the move as an unnecessary financial burden on the state. The party questioned the cost of providing vehicles to all 234 MLAs while also covering fuel, maintenance, driver and secretary-related expenses. The controversy is therefore likely to continue, with the government presenting the package as logistical support for elected representatives and the opposition questioning whether the expenditure is justified.