Joseph Vijay has become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in his very first attempt, and he had largely avoided major criticism during his first three months in office.
However, his latest decision has triggered strong backlash on social media. The controversy is related to the sizeable allocations announced for MLAs and the facilities being provided to them.
Earlier, Vijay announced in the Assembly that each MLA would receive a new car along with allowances for the driver, fuel and other vehicle-related expenses. An additional ₹25,000 has also reportedly been allocated for maintaining an assistant.
Vijay explained that the car and allowance package was introduced considering that many first-time MLAs may not have the financial resources to manage these expenses on their own.
Whatever the intention behind the decision, it has faced immediate criticism on social media. A large section of users has reportedly expressed opposition to the move and questioned the need for such spending from public funds.
Many people are arguing that MLAs already have substantial financial resources and assets. They therefore feel that the government should not spend large amounts of public money on cars, assistants and other facilities for elected representatives.
The decision is now being described by some as the first major setback for Vijay since becoming Chief Minister. At least based on the reaction on social media, the MLA car and allowance package has clearly failed to win public support.
