Tamil Nadu Assembly: Ruling, Opposition MLAs clash over new cars, F4 night race

The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Friday saw another round of sharp exchanges between the opposition DMK and the ruling TVK over the government's decision to provide new cars to legislators.

The debate was triggered when DMK MLA G.V. Markandayan questioned the move, pointing out that the TVK had promised "change" and should instead focus on delivering its poll commitments, including the monthly ₹2,500 assistance for women and six free LPG cylinders per household.

Responding, Law Minister C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar defended the car allocation, saying it would enable MLAs to travel extensively across their constituencies. He also alleged that villagers had told him Mr. Markandayan had never visited them.

Health Minister K.G. Arun Raj noted that the TVK government was only 100 days old and that the Chief Minister had already begun implementing promises. He cited the recent move to approve building constructions without charging per-square-foot fees, and questioned why the previous DMK administration had planned a memorial for late Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi despite financial constraints.

Revenue Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan then turned the tables on the DMK, bringing up the Formula 4 night race held in August-September 2024. DMK deputy floor leader K.N. Nehru recalled that the then Sports Minister had organised several events, including chess and hockey tournaments, alongside the car race.

Former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's son and former minister Udhayanidhi Stalin responded sharply, stating that his party had offered cars only to those MLAs who needed them, and that DMK legislators did not require them. On the race, he said it was an international event and the first night race in Asia, which had been cleared by the courts after legal challenges. He added that criticising the event amounted to belittling motor sport racers.