The Leader of Opposition in Tamil Nadu Assembly, Udhayanidhi Stalin, on Friday said all 59 legislators of his party Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) have decided not to avail government cars proposed for the legislators.Speaking in the Assembly, he said the decision was taken following instructions from DMK president MK Stalin. He said all 59 DMK legislators had signed a letter stating that they would not accept the vehicles and submitted it to the government through the Speaker.The decision comes after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay announced a scheme to provide official cars to all 234 MLAs.Under the proposal, each legislator would also receive Rs 75,000 per month towards fuel, maintenance and driver expenses, along with Rs 25,000 a month to appoint an assistant or secretary.Udhayanidhi said DMK’s decision was in line with concerns over the financial condition of the state exchequer. He said the government had itself highlighted financial constraints and argued that DMK legislators did not need the proposed vehicles.DMK also said MLAs could use cars based on their individual requirements rather than receiving vehicles as a standard benefit.The issue has triggered a political debate in the assembly, with the ruling side defending the decision to provide vehicles to legislators.The government has argued that transportation is a necessity for MLAs to carry out constituency work, meet residents and attend official engagements.“Since the TVK government has been saying from day one after assuming power that the government is in debt, we urge the government to provide free cars to MLAs only after verifying their election affidavits, whether they already own cars and what their financial status is,” Udhayanidhi said.Earlier, DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai criticised the proposal, saying the government should not spend public money on what he described as a luxury that was not a priority.“The TVK government wants to splurge public money on luxury, which is not a priority. The CM said that the state coffers were wiped out when he took charge as the CM. Now, how will they fulfil this promise?” he asked.Responding to DMK, minister Adhav Arjuna defended the move, saying the Chief Minister intended to treat all MLAs equally.He pointed out that many MLAs from smaller parties such as the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and Communist parties are in poor financial condition, and said cars are not a luxury but a basic need for them to visit all areas in their constituencies, the report added.Vijay said a monthly allowance of Rs 75,000 would be provided to cover expenses including driver salary, fuel and vehicle maintenance. Additionally, Rs 25,000 would be provided to appoint an assistant for office work.