Crorepati MLAs, free cars: Why Vijay govt's Rs 100-crore move has TN baffled

So every MLA in Tamil Nadu is set to get a brand-new official car? First the stats, then the real story.

Nearly nine in 10 of Tamil Nadu's newly elected MLAs are crorepatis. Of the 233 winning candidates analysed, 193, or 83 per cent, declared assets worth over a crore. Congress, PMK, IUML, AMMK, BJP and DMDK didn't just cross that mark: every single MLA from these parties is a crorepati. The DMK isn't far behind at 97 per cent (57 MLAs), followed by the AIADMK at 94 per cent (44).

Even the ruling TVK has 77 MLAs among the crorepati club, most of whom, by the party's own admission, already own cars. On top of all, they all draw Rs 75,000 each month as transport allowance. A Tamil Nadu MLA's salary and allowances currently total Rs 1.80 lakh a month. This includes a basic salary of Rs 30,000, compensatory allowance of Rs 10,000, constituency allowance of Rs 25,000, postal Rs 2,500, telephone Rs 7,500, consolidated Rs 5,000, transport Rs 75,000 and personal assistant Rs 25,000.

That apart, Tamil Nadu MLAs are entitled to free travel on all State Transport Corporation buses across the state, either alone or with their spouse or companion, along with an annual railway transit allowance of Rs 20,000 that can be used for journeys by any class on any railway in India. In addition, during every Assembly session, an MLA travelling with their spouse is eligible for one AC two-tier railway fare for the spouse, covering the to-and-fro journey from the usual place of residence to the session venue.

Still, an MLA needs a govt-sponsored car? The new TVK govt thinks so.

Vijay agrees after VCK MLA's request

Which is why Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's latest announcement to offer every MLA a brand-new car, driver and assistant for all 234 MLAs is baffling and has triggered a huge controversy and a debate. The trigger was when VCK MLA Jothimani told the Assembly that many MLAs have no car and find it hard to inspect constituency work.

Vijay has always loved cars. Many MLAs already own imported vehicles. Give cars only to those who do not have one

Supporters see the cars as a practical tool for better constituency work. Critics call it an unnecessary burden on taxpayers at a time when the state borrows heavily and ordinary people face higher electricity, property and bus fares.

And the TVK govt is in a hurry. A fleet of Mahindra XUV 7XO, 3XO, Scorpio N, Classic, Bolero and Bolero Neo vehicles is being brought to the Secretariat in Chennai for test drives.

Also Read: 100 days of CM Vijay: Hits, misses and everything in between

As expected, TVK MLA S Kamaraj welcomed the decision, saying he already owns three or four cars but still values the prestige of travelling in a government vehicle with an MLA board. “Only then do people show respect,” he told The Federal.

Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) coordinator Seeman called the plan a waste of public money. “At least 190 MLAs already declared cars in their election affidavits. Why give free vehicles to them? Each car costs at least Rs 30 lakh. For 234 MLAs, that is Rs 70 crore, plus Rs 28 crore a year for fuel and maintenance, and more for repairs. Delta farmers’ paddy is rotting in the open for want of godowns, yet the government spends crores on luxury cars. Is this how public money should be used?” he asked.

He also questioned the need for separate assistants and extra pay when MLAs are supposed to serve the people.

'Car is basic tool, not luxury'

CPI(M) state committee member R Sinthan said his party MLAs hand over their entire salary to the organisation and receive only a modest amount. “Giving cars alone will not end corruption. In Kerala, Left governments paid ordinary workers the highest wages in the country while keeping MLA salaries low. TVK MLAs fought elections without huge spending, which is positive. But the real fight against corruption needs equal rules for all parties and an end to corporate funding.”

Arappor Iyakkam’s Jayaram Venkatesan suggested a simpler approach: “Give cars only to those who declared they have none in their affidavits, especially first-time MLAs who do not want to take bribes. Do not stop at handing over the vehicle. Monitor their work two or three times more closely and ensure full transparency.”

Journalist Sanjeev Sadagopan said that while 83 per cent of MLAs are crorepatis, the remaining 40-odd, many of them newcomers, may genuinely need a vehicle for constituency visits.

Also Read: Situation has changed, DMK has to look beyond anti-Modi plank'

“A car is a basic tool for public work, not a luxury. Corporates give transport to staff; officers get official vehicles. The government could invite applications from those who truly cannot afford one instead of a blanket gift. Providing cars to about 200 non-minister MLAs could cost Rs 60 crore. Once public money is used, every trip and expense will face public scrutiny.”

'Vijay always loved cars'

AMMK leader TTV Dhinakaran has urged the Chief Minister to withdraw the announcement. “Buy cars from your own pocket or party funds for those who need them. Do not use public money to keep MLAs happy.”

DMK leader Premalatha Vijayakanth said, “Vijay has always loved cars. Many MLAs already own imported vehicles. Give cars only to those who do not have one.”

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Farmers’ Association activists staged a protest in Chennai, asking why only MLAs receive such benefits while farmers struggle for loan waivers and storage facilities.