📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Michael Gäbler
Politics
All 59 DMK MLAs Decline Government Cars in Tamil Nadu Assembly
✍️ The Hindu
🗓 22 Aug 2026, 04:10 AM
👁 5
Every DMK legislator in Tamil Nadu's 59-member party bloc has refused the allocation of official vehicles, signalling a stance on government resources.
Chennai, Aug 21 (The Hindu) – In a coordinated move, all 59 members of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) elected to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly have turned down the offer of government‑provided cars. The decision was announced during a party meeting held at the assembly complex, where senior leaders emphasized the need for modesty and efficient use of public funds.
Party officials said the refusal reflects a broader policy to curb unnecessary expenditure and set an example for other legislators. By declining official vehicles, the MLAs aim to reduce the state's recurring costs associated with fuel, maintenance and driver salaries.
The DMK, which currently heads the state government, has not indicated any change to the existing transport arrangements for its members; instead, it encourages the use of public transport or personal vehicles where feasible. Observers note that the gesture could bolster the party's image ahead of upcoming local body elections.
The assembly's administrative wing will re‑allocate the withdrawn cars to other departments as per standard protocol, ensuring no disruption to essential government functions.
Party officials said the refusal reflects a broader policy to curb unnecessary expenditure and set an example for other legislators. By declining official vehicles, the MLAs aim to reduce the state's recurring costs associated with fuel, maintenance and driver salaries.
The DMK, which currently heads the state government, has not indicated any change to the existing transport arrangements for its members; instead, it encourages the use of public transport or personal vehicles where feasible. Observers note that the gesture could bolster the party's image ahead of upcoming local body elections.
The assembly's administrative wing will re‑allocate the withdrawn cars to other departments as per standard protocol, ensuring no disruption to essential government functions.