This is not about denying MLAs the resources they need to do their jobs. It is about priorities, consistency and fiscal responsibility.
The government says every MLA needs a vehicle to travel through their constituency and perform their duties. Fine. But why does that require providing a car to all 234 MLAs, along with ₹75,000 a month towards fuel, driver and vehicle maintenance, plus another ₹25,000 for an office assistant?
That is ₹1 lakh per MLA every month, or ₹28.08 crore every year in recurring expenditure, before even factoring in the cost of purchasing 234 cars.
With the government reportedly considering vehicles such as the Mahindra Scorpio N, XUV 7XO and Bolero, the first year cost could potentially run into ₹60–90 crore, depending on the model ultimately chosen, even before registration, insurance and other associated costs.
And yes, I am fully aware that this amount, by itself, may not make a significant difference to the overall budget allocated towards farmers or other welfare schemes. That is not the point.
The point is accountability and fiscal responsibility. When a government repeatedly tells its people that resources are limited, that there is no money to fulfil commitments and that difficult financial decisions have to be made, every new expenditure must be examined through the same lens. There are responsibilities towards farmers and ordinary citizens whose expectations were built around promises made during the election.
And then there is another question that deserves an answer. An MLA raised the issue in the Assembly, and the decision to provide vehicles and allowances to all 234 MLAs was reportedly announced almost immediately, the very next day. Was this already being planned? If so, why was it presented only after the issue was raised? If it wasn't planned, how can a decision involving 234 vehicles and ₹28.08 crore in recurring annual expenditure be made so quickly? What financial analysis, scrutiny or alternatives were considered before making such a decision?
Public service is not charity. These are paid public offices, with monetary remuneration and other benefits attached to them. Every person who contested for and accepted that position knew that the job came with responsibilities, including travelling through their constituency and meeting the people they represent. When they applied for the position and sought the mandate of the people, there was no guarantee that a government vehicle would be provided. I would hope that every elected representative understood the responsibilities, expectations and practical limitations of the role before taking it on.
Nobody is saying an MLA who genuinely needs transport for official work should be left without it. Provide transport on a need basis. Reimburse verified official travel. Arrange a government or contracted vehicle. Provide a reasonable transport allowance.
But creating a blanket entitlement for every MLA is a completely different matter.
Fiscal responsibility is not simply about whether the government can technically afford something. It is about making responsible choices with public money, being accountable to the people who fund the system, and ensuring that public expenditure reflects the priorities of the people you were elected to serve.
The question isn't whether MLAs deserve to travel for work. The question is, was this the right way to facilitate it, and was it properly thought through?
Public money deserves public accountability.
@CMOTamilnadu
What happened to secularism?
When the Finance Minister presented the Budget, he publicly invoked his Christian faith with a rosary. Many accepted it as a personal expression of belief and moved on.
Now, when questioned about his Tamil, he says Christianity taught him "the language of love." But the anger, tone, body language and outburst in the Assembly reflected anything but the language of love.
No one expects perfection. Criticism comes with public office. In fact, after leading an educational institution for over two decades, one would expect patience, composure and the ability to handle criticism with grace.
A statesman would have simply said: "My Tamil may not be perfect, but my work will speak for itself. I'll continue to improve." That would have ended the debate.
Instead, religion was brought into a discussion about language. That's the real concern.
A secular government should not repeatedly invoke religious identity in its official conduct. Public office must speak the language of the Constitution, not the language of any one faith.
@CMOTamilnadu@TVKVijayHQ@MarieWilson_TVK
The Speaker represents the House, not the Church.
India has had legal abortion since 1971. A woman's reproductive choices are protected by law, and our Constitution places individual liberty, dignity and autonomy above religious doctrine.
Mr. J.C.D. Prabhakar is entitled to his personal faith. But when the Speaker of the House publicly campaigns against a legal right using religious beliefs, it raises serious questions about the neutrality expected of a constitutional office.
The Speaker's oath is to the Constitution, not to any religion. Constitutional morality must always prevail over religious activism.
@JCDPrabhakar@CMOTamilnadu@TVKVijayHQ
Political leaders must be careful not only in what they say before an arrest, but also in how they speak after it.
If a minister publicly gloats that Udhayanidhi Stalin was made to sit in a toilet for hours before his arrest and says it will be "a lifetime memory" for him, it raises uncomfortable questions. Such remarks shift the focus from the legal process to what appears to be personal humiliation.
If the government's objective was to address a complaint over remarks considered derogatory towards women, then the process should speak for itself. Political triumphalism and celebratory rhetoric only create the impression that the arrest was driven by personal vendetta rather than an impartial application of the law.
The rule of law should never appear vindictive. Justice must be seen as fair, dignified, and free from political gloating, irrespective of who is being investigated or arrested.
@AadhavArjuna@CMOTamilnadu@TVKVijayHQ
�� 8.15 மணிக்கு டாய்லெட் போனவர் 10:15 மணிக்கு தான் வெளிய வந்தார்,
• 2 மணி நேரம் உங்கள டாய்லெட்ல உட்கார வச்சாரு பாத்தீங்களா காலமும் நேரமும் !
~ @AadhavArjuna
Let me be absolutely clear. If Udhayanidhi made a derogatory, double meaning remark targeting a woman, it deserves condemnation. No political leader, especially the Leader of the Opposition, should reduce political discourse to personal, misogynistic or sexually suggestive attacks. Public office comes with responsibility, and words have consequences. If the law has been violated, let the law take its course.
But the bigger question is not whether an FIR should be registered. The bigger question is: does this warrant an arrest?
Arrest is one of the strongest powers the State possesses. It should never become the first response to political speech unless it is legally necessary. If the government believes every offensive political remark deserves immediate arrest, then the same standard must apply to everyone, irrespective of political affiliation.
Where was this urgency when women filed complaints in other cases? Where was this urgency when people accused of serious offences, including sexual assault, continued to remain free? Where was this urgency when political functionaries and party supporters repeatedly used abusive and degrading language online? Selective urgency weakens public confidence in the rule of law.
This is what concerns many people. Justice cannot appear selective. The law cannot be swift when it concerns the opposition and slow when it concerns those closer to power.
The timing also invites political scrutiny. At a time when Tamil Nadu is facing critical issues, including the Cauvery water dispute and the concerns of farmers, public attention has suddenly shifted to a high profile arrest. Whether intentional or not, the result is that the conversation has moved away from governance and towards political confrontation.
With the Assembly set to function and the Opposition expected to question the government, people are entitled to ask whether such actions create a chilling effect on democratic dissent. A democracy needs a strong government, but it also needs a strong Opposition. The Leader of the Opposition has a constitutional role to question, criticise and hold the government accountable. That role must not be weakened through the unnecessary use of executive power.
Condemn the remark. Register the FIR if the law requires it. Investigate it fairly. Let the courts decide guilt or innocence. But arrest should never become a political spectacle or a substitute for governance. Governments earn credibility not by demonstrating how quickly they can arrest an opponent, but by demonstrating that the law is applied fairly, consistently and without political favour.
@CMOTamilnadu@TVKVijayHQ@arivalayam
The outrage over yesterday's remarks is understandable. Public representatives, regardless of party, should maintain dignity in their language.
That said, let's also be consistent. Since this government took office, it has unfortunately been the Chief Minister who has, on more than one occasion, lowered the standard of political discourse. Whether it was the Karur speech or other remarks that many perceived as derogatory or filled with innuendo, such language from the state's highest elected office sets a poor example.
When leaders normalize below the belt comments, they cannot later be surprised when political discourse deteriorates further. The Leader of the Opposition, too, has been accused of using double meaning remarks. This cycle needs to stop.
One more thing: family members, spouses, friends, or women in general should not be dragged into political exchanges. Political disagreements should remain between political leaders and be addressed on policy, governance, and public actions, not through personal references or innuendo involving those around them. Keeping political discourse focused on issues rather than individuals will only elevate the quality of public debate.
The people of Tamil Nadu, especially our children, are watching. Elected representatives must remember that their words carry weight. Disagree strongly, debate fiercely, but do so with respect and dignity. Leadership is demonstrated not just through decisions, but through conduct.
And finally, the media must also introspect. If national media chooses to highlight one side while ignoring similar instances involving another, it only reinforces the perception of selective outrage and narrative building. Hold every party to the same standard. That's what responsible journalism looks like.
#Udhayanidhi #TVKVijay #LoP #CMTN
The irony is impossible to ignore.
When the DMK was in power, M.K. Stalin attending a film during the conservancy workers' protest became a major political issue. It was criticized relentlessly. The argument then was simple: when people are protesting, a Chief Minister's priority should be the people, not a movie.
Today, the country is witnessing widespread protests over NEET. Videos of students and young people being assaulted have shocked the nation. Whether one agrees with the protest or not, violence against students should concern every elected leader.
Kanimozhi and the DMK have at least taken a public stand by joining the protest at Jantar Mantar. People may agree or disagree with their politics, but they have made their position clear.
What about the Tamil Nadu government?
Last night, Chief Minister Vijay, the lead actor of Jananayagam, attended the film's preview screening along with senior government officials, department heads, and their families. Today, several ministers were seen attending first-day-first-show screenings and celebrating the film.
This isn't about denying anyone the right to watch a movie.
It's about priorities.
When students across the country are protesting, when reports and videos of young people being assaulted are dominating the national conversation, should the government's focus really be on celebrating a film?
The senior ministers could very well have watched the film during a night show or after their official engagements. Yes, ministers are expected to work beyond fixed office hours, but that is precisely why attending a first-day-first-show during the day sends the wrong message. Had they first fulfilled their responsibilities, responded to the national crisis, and stood with the students, none of this criticism would have arisen. Instead, the image projected was that a film release took precedence over the concerns of the people.
During political campaigns, Anita's story was repeatedly invoked in the fight against NEET. Today, when students are once again at the centre of the NEET debate, where is that same voice?
Even if the state government chooses not to confront the Union government directly over NEET, what prevented it from condemning violence against students? What prevented it from assuring the students of Tamil Nadu that their government stands with them?
Leadership is about being present when people need you most.
At times like these, people expect ministers and a Chief Minister to act as public servants first. Instead, the government appears more focused on celebrating a film starring its own Chief Minister than addressing a national issue involving students.
The contrast is striking. The silence is louder than any speech.
@CMOTamilnadu@TVKVijayHQ #jananayagam #NEET #protest #TamilNadu
It's refreshing to hear a minister say this. Minister Arunraaj’s message that public facilities should be opened and put to use as soon as they're ready, instead of waiting for ministers to arrive and inaugurate them, is highly commendable.
This is a practical, people first approach to governance. Public infrastructure is built to serve citizens, not to wait for ribbon cutting ceremonies. Thank you @arunraajkg for recognizing the importance of timely implementation over publicity. More public representatives should adopt this mindset.
ரிப்பன் வெட்��ுவதை விட, நோயாளியின் உயிர்தான் முக்கியம். வேலை முடிந்ததும் உடனே திறக்க வேண்டும் என்ற அமைச்சரின் உத்தரவு பாராட்டுக்குரியது. இதுதான் மக்கள் மைய நிர்வாகம்❤️
@arunraajkg சிறப்பு அண்ணா 👌🏻
Visiting a children's shelter to celebrate your party General Secretary's birthday and share a meal with the children is, in itself, a thoughtful gesture.
But I'd like to remind Minister Keerthana that she is not the only person who visits shelter homes. Thousands of people spend time with children in shelter homes, celebrate birthdays, donate, volunteer, and quietly support these institutions every single year. Most choose to do it without turning vulnerable children into social media content.
Acts of kindness don't become more meaningful because they are posted online. When the focus shifts from the children to the visitor, it raises questions about whether the purpose is service or publicity.
More importantly, these children deserve privacy and dignity. Children living in shelter homes are among the most vulnerable members of society. Their images and identities should be treated with the utmost care. Public figures, especially ministers, should be even more mindful about sharing identifiable photos or videos of these children on social media, even if the intention is to showcase charitable work.
Visiting a shelter is commendable. Publicizing vulnerable children for political optics is something that deserves far greater thought.
This isn't the first time Minister Keerthana has drawn criticism for her public conduct. Whether these repeated lapses stem from poor judgment or inexperience, one thing is clear: maturity in public service is measured by responsibility, empathy, and accountability—not by age or title. Ministers are expected to set an example, especially when it comes to protecting the dignity and rights of children.
ஜூலை 18 அன்று பிறந்தநாள் கண்ட தமிழக வெற்றி கழகத்தின் பொதுச் செயலாளரும்,மாண்புமிகு ஊரக வளர்ச்சித் துறை அமைச்சரும��ன எனது அன்பிற்கினிய அப்பா திரு.என். ஆனந்த் அவர்களின் பிறந்தநாளை கொண்டாடும் விதமாக, Kids Shelter இல்லத்தில் உள்ள குழந்தைகளுக்கு பரிசுப் பொருட்கள் வழங்கி, அவர்களுடன் விளையாடி மகிழ்ந்ததுடன், அனைவருக்கும் அன்னதானம் வழங்கி அவர்களுடன் உரையாடி மகிழ்ந்தேன்.
குழந்தைகளின் புன்னகையே அந்த நாளின் எனக்கான மிகப்பெரிய பரிசு.
An A-certified film being promoted through posters on government school walls and gates is highly condemnable.
Schools are meant for learning, not for promoting films or political personalities. What message does this send to students?
This raises a larger question: What is the culture being encouraged? Governance or film politics? Public institutions should be respected and kept free from political and promotional campaigns.
It's time to draw a clear line between public office and political or cinematic publicity.
@CMOTamilnadu@TVKVijayHQ@imrajmohan
The posters of Jananayagam being put up by party functionaries on government school walls, gates, and public property are deeply inappropriate. Schools should remain spaces for education, not political promotion.
We've seen this pattern too many times: first the act happens, then comes a statement saying, "Don't mix politics in schools" or "Don't shoot reels in schools." If the leadership is truly against it, why does it keep happening?
A culture of accountability starts at the top. It's not enough to condemn an action after the fact if the same violations keep repeating. Consistent enforcement matters far more than repeated advisories.
Government schools belong to students and the public—not to any political party or film promotion. Enough of this drama. Respect public institutions.
@imrajmohan@CMOTamilnadu@TVKVijayHQ #Jananayagam #Schools
A child being slapped during a protest has shocked the nation 😑😑💥💥
Now there are claims that efforts are being made to remove videos of the incident instead of answering the questions they raise
One thought shared by Minister Rajmohan stayed with me.
When he spoke about meeting the lone survivor of the Kumbakonam school fire, who is now a Sub Collector, it was a powerful reminder of what that tragedy truly took away.
If one surviving child could go on to serve society in such a remarkable way, how many future doctors, IAS officers, engineers, scientists, teachers, artists and leaders did we lose that day?
His point that corruption can cost lives and rob an entire generation of its potential is one we cannot ignore. Education is the foundation of every society. When corruption enters that foundation, it does not just damage institutions. It steals futures.
Whether the failures belong to previous governments or any government, the principle remains the same. Corruption in education is unacceptable.
I appreciate the Minister for recognizing the gravity of this issue. I only hope these words are followed by sustained action because protecting education is ultimately about protecting the future of every child.
@imrajmohan #SchoolEducation #corruptionfreeTN #TamilNadu
As a parent, I appreciate Minister Rajmohan for acknowledging a genuine issue: the weight of school bags. Reducing that burden is a welcome initiative. Making textbooks more visual, with illustrations that help children understand concepts better, is also a positive step, as long as learning outcomes remain strong.
However, I have serious reservations about the proposal to supplement textbooks with QR codes that require children to access additional content through smartphones.
The reality of many government school students is very different from the assumptions behind this idea.
Many children do not own a phone. Many parents work long hours and are not always available to lend theirs. Reliable internet access is still not universal. A learning model that depends on smartphones risks widening the gap between students instead of reducing it.
There is another concern. Around the world, governments and educators are trying to reduce children's screen time because of its impact on attention, mental health, and overall development. We already have dedicated computer science classes where students can learn AI and digital skills in a structured environment. We don't need to make smartphones a requirement for everyday learning.
Technology should support education, not become a barrier to it or an excuse for increased screen dependency.
I respect the Minister's intent, but I believe this proposal deserves another look. The objective should be to make education more accessible, more equitable, and less dependent on gadgets. As a parent, I cannot support this aspect of the proposal in its current form.
@imrajmohan@CMOTamilnadu #TamilNadu #Tamilnadueducation #textbooks
"மாணவர்களின் புத்தகப் பை சுமை இனி குறைக்கப்படும்; பாடப்புத்தகங்கள் இனி படப் புத்தகங்களாக மாறும்" - பள்ளிக் கல்வித் துறை அமைச்சர் ராஜ்ம��கன்
#Rajmohan | #Textbooks | #Students | #TVK