A political clash broke out in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Friday after Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin challenged Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay
to make public three files he had described as containing evidence of corruption during the previous DMK government. Udhayanidhi said Vijay had earlier mentioned the files and said he was waiting for the right time to reveal them. "The chief minister has accused our previous DMK regime mentioning not to force him to reveal the details. I insist that he open the files and take action. Why are you afraid to reveal and why are you delaying," Udhayanidhi said. The remark was later expunged from the Assembly records by Speaker J C D Prabhakar. Minister N Anand said the government had evidence related to the files and assured the House that legal action would be taken at the appropriate time. The Speaker also rejected Udhayanidhi's claim that Vijay depended on others for decision-making. Prabhakar said the Chief Minister took decisions based on his own judgment, intellect and administrative abilities. He said decisions were taken after formal consultations with department officials and not under the influence of outsiders. Prabhakar also asked members to avoid references to "punch dialogues" and cinematic behaviour. He said inflammatory or unverified allegations would not be allowed in the House without proper documentation.
Vijay’s ‘Incriminating Files’ Remark
The latest exchange followed Vijay's remarks in the Assembly on August 19. The Chief Minister had said he possessed "incriminating files" from three government departments and warned the DMK against repeatedly asking for evidence of alleged corruption during its previous tenure.
Vijay said the files had been reviewed and were currently on his table. He said he would reveal their details at an appropriate time.
"Initially, I didn't want to make a statement. But the opposition is demanding evidence. A week ago, Finance Minister (N Marie Wilson) had said that three department files are on my table following a review. It was not a random statement. The files are on my table with proof. Don't force me to reveal. I shall do it at an appropriate time," Vijay had told the Assembly.
The Assembly debate also saw Udhayanidhi reject the government's proposal to provide official vehicles to all 234 MLAs. He said the DMK's 59 MLAs would not accept the vehicles, citing the state's financial situation.
Udhayanidhi suggested that the government should provide vehicles only to economically disadvantaged legislators.
The Treasury benches defended the proposal, saying the vehicles were a necessity rather than a luxury and would help MLAs travel across their constituencies. Ministers also said the move was part of the facilities provided to legislators and that those who already owned vehicles would not need to apply.
Live Assembly Debate Sparks Another Row
The debate also turned to the live telecast of Assembly proceedings. Udhayanidhi said the tone of debates was increasingly resembling a reality musical programme rather than a serious legislative forum.
Some of the controversial remarks made during the proceedings were expunged by the Speaker. However, transcripts, edited videos and social media reels containing the remarks continued to circulate online.
Ministers Aadhav Arjuna and Anand defended the government's approach.
Arjuna said the government had shown "unprecedented courage" by allowing full live broadcasts of Assembly proceedings so that people could directly watch their elected representatives at work. He also criticised the previous DMK government for not fulfilling its promise on live telecasts.
Arjuna said members singing during debates was not an issue if the references were relevant to the matter being discussed.
Minister Anand, meanwhile, shared the example of a 70-year-old citizen who, along with his family, preferred watching live Assembly proceedings over television serials because it gave them confidence that elected representatives were working for the public.
