Tamil Nadu’s proposed free car scheme for MLAs has triggered a political clash between the ruling TVK government and the Opposition DMK. The government has said all 234 MLAs will be provided official vehicles for constituency-related work, while the DMK has decided not to accept the offer, citing the state’s financial situation. Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin announced that all 59 DMK MLAs would reject the government’s offer. He questioned the decision at a time when the TVK government has repeatedly spoken about the state’s debt burden. Stalin also suggested that government vehicles should be provided only after checking the election affidavits of MLAs to determine whether they already own cars and to assess their financial circumstances. He argued that this could ensure that the benefit reaches legislators who genuinely need it. The DMK also criticised the scheme on ideological and financial grounds. Stalin pointed out that TVK had campaigned against freebies while also highlighting the government’s financial difficulties. The DMK said refusing the cars would help avoid adding to the state’s debt burden. The government, however, has defended the proposal. Minister Adhav Arjuna said the intention was to treat all MLAs equally. He argued that several legislators, particularly those from smaller parties, come from financially weaker backgrounds and may not own cars. According to the minister, the government’s policy is that MLAs who already own a car would not apply for a government vehicle. He said the scheme was intended to provide basic logistical support rather than a luxury. The government’s proposal was announced after VCK MLA Jothimani raised the issue of logistical support for legislators and said MLAs needed cars to work effectively across their constituencies. The government has said the vehicles would help MLAs travel to their constituencies and address public grievances. It also pointed to the number of first-time legislators and representatives from humble backgrounds who may not have access to a car. Along with the vehicles, the Tamil Nadu government has announced an allowance of Rs. 75,000 per month for expenses related to the driver, fuel and maintenance of the cars. The proposal has therefore turned into a larger political debate over government spending, freebies and the financial responsibilities of elected representatives. While the ruling side has presented the cars as necessary logistical support for constituency work, the DMK has questioned whether the expenditure is justified given the state’s financial position. For now, the Opposition’s 59 MLAs have made their position clear: they will not avail themselves of the proposed government car scheme.