Tamil Nadu’s Leader of Opposition (LoP) Udhayanidhi Stalin on Friday threw a challenge before state Chief Minister (CM) Vijay to ‘open’ three alleged corruption files the latter claimed earlier are on his table and take action against those responsible.

Speaking during a debate at the state Assembly, Udhayanidhi Stalin referred to CM Vijay’s earlier statement that he possessed files containing evidence of alleged irregularities under the previous DMK regime. He urged CM Vijay to publicise the documents instead of delaying their disclosure.

He remarked, “The Chief Minister has accused our previous DMK regime. I insist that he open the files and take action. Why are you afraid to reveal them and why are you delaying?,” Stalin said. His remarks about Vijay’s decision making were then expunged from the Assembly records by Speaker JCD Prabhakar.

Govt says evidence is available

Minister N Anand, intervening in the debate, said the state government had ample evidence concerning the files and assured the House that legal action would be initiated at the appropriate time.

The Speaker also junked Stalin’s allegation that Vijay relied on others for decision-making. Prabhakar said CM Vijay exercised his judgment independently, on the basis of his intellect and administrative capabilities.

He then urged the legislators to avoid references to ‘punch dialogues’ or cinematic behaviour, underlining that inflammatory or unverified allegations would not be allowed in the House without supporting documentation.

Stalin’s response comes after Vijay’s ‘Incriminating files’ remarks

Stalin’s sharp response came days after CM Vijay told the Assembly that three departmental files containing ‘incriminating evidence’ had already been reviewed and were placed on his table.

Addressing the Assembly on August 19, CM Vijay said the files were not based on blind allegations and contained proof. He warned the Opposition against demanding evidence repeatedly and said he would blow the lid off the details at an appropriate time.

Vijay added that the files made it to his table after a review and cautioned the Opposition not to ‘force’ him to reveal their contents prematurely.

Stalin rejects official cars for MLAs

The Assembly also saw a debate over the state government’s proposal to provide official vehicles to all MLAs. Stalin said the DMK, which has 59 legislators in the House, would decline the vehicles, citing the financial crisis outlined by CM Vijay. He suggested that the facility should instead be restricted to economically disadvantaged legislators.

However, the Treasury benches defended the proposal, arguing that official vehicles were a necessity rather than a luxury and would pave the way for the MLAs to reach their constituencies, as well as serve voters efficiently.

They said the provision was on par with facilities extended to ministers and noted that legislators who already owned vehicles would not seek them necessarily.