Chennai: Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay Wednesday convened a closed-door meeting of all Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) MLAs at a resort in Mahabalipuram, amid controversies involving the conduct of party legislators, particularly Deputy Speaker M. Ravi Shankar and Kallakurichi MLA C. Arul Vignesh.
The meeting came as the TVK-led government marked six months in office and faced intensifying criticism from the Opposition over law-and-order issues and the behaviour of some MLAs.
After holding a law-and-order review meeting with ministers, senior police officials and civil servants the previous day, Vijay reviewed internal inquiry reports and issued stern directives on constituency discipline, ethical conduct, and public accountability during the meeting of TVK MLAs.
The primary triggers for the meeting were the recent controversies surrounding two legislators. Thuraiyur MLA and Assembly Deputy Speaker M. Ravi Shankar was at the centre of allegations after a video surfaced showing him allegedly assaulting Karthik Kumar, a resident who had approached him with grievances such as drinking water shortages and improper garbage disposal. Karthik Kumar later claimed that he was threatened and forced to record a video denying the assault.
In another case, Kallakurichi MLA C. Arul Vignesh faced allegations of sending inappropriate WhatsApp messages to District Collector J.E. Padmaja and related misconduct. Vignesh denied the charges, describing them as rumours and “dirty politics” by the Opposition. However, DMK leader K. Kanimozhi highlighted the issue, stating that legislators’ conduct was becoming a major issue in the state.
Opposition leaders, including the DMK and AIADMK, cited both cases to criticise the government’s handling of law and order and the alleged inappropriate behaviour of TVK MLAs.
Earlier in June, a woman who was a TVK worker had alleged that two party functionaries sexually assaulted her after using Srivaikuntam MLA G. Saravanan’s name to lure her with the promise of a job. She further alleged that the MLA tried to broker a compromise and offered her a job. The two functionaries were arrested and the woman sought action against the MLA. Opposition leaders, including Udhayanidhi Stalin and Edappadi K. Palaniswami demanded his removal and a probe. But the case was not strictly pursued further.
During the all-MLAs meeting, CM Vijay advised legislators not to fall into traps set by opposition parties. He personally noted down details of constituency work and the officers concerned, and made it clear that performance in their respective constituencies would be the primary criterion for re-nomination in future elections.
Vijay also assured MLAs that they could approach him directly regarding any constituency or personal party issues. The Chief Minister also warned that there would be no compromise on law-and-order, and strict action would be taken against anyone who commits a crime, without any hesitation. He further advised the MLAs to be careful with their speech at public events and avoid making statements that could cause unnecessary controversies.
At the end of the meeting, traditional silk dhotis, shirts and sarees were distributed to the MLAs as part of Diwali celebrations. One-on-one interactions between the Chief Minister and legislators also took place to review constituency performance and party functioning.
(Edited by Amrtansh Arora)
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