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DMK Ally MPs Decry Lack of Office Space in Tamil Nadu Constituencies
Elected Members of Parliament (MPs) from key allies of the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu, including the Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), and the Communist Party of India (Marxist), have raised concerns over the absence of government-provided office spaces in their respective constituencies.
Alleging that they are being forced to rent buildings to discharge their public duties, these MPs have called upon the State administration to ensure basic infrastructure support. Several also expressed frustration that local DMK leaders were preventing them from functioning independently in their constituencies.
Voices of Discontent
Su. Venkatesan, the CPI(M) MP from Madurai, took to social media platform X to express his concern. He noted that the issue had been repeatedly raised with the Tamil Nadu government, including during the State Development and Coordination Committee meetings. VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan had also highlighted this problem, but no action followed.
“MPs are forced to rent office spaces at their own cost or rely on local political figures or officials. This not only undermines their role but also affects their accessibility to the public,” Venkatesan wrote.
VCK general secretary and Villupuram MP, D. Ravikumar, echoed the sentiment, urging Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to take prompt action. He argued that MPs from Tamil Nadu should be given the same infrastructural facilities as their counterparts in states like Karnataka, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh.
“These MPs are among those consistently raising their voices in Parliament for the rights of Tamil Nadu. Denying them basic facilities like office space sends the wrong message,” said Mr. Ravikumar.
Congress MP Raises Similar Concerns
R. Sudha, the Congress MP from Mayiladuthurai, is also facing a similar situation. Sources close to her said she has been operating from a rented facility and is struggling to meet the demands of her constituency without a dedicated office. According to her team, the absence of a proper space hinders the smooth handling of public grievances and welfare coordination.
A Matter of Respect and Functionality
The MPs collectively argue that their ability to function effectively is being compromised. “When MPs from other states arrive in Chennai, they are often accommodated or supported by the local administration. In contrast, Tamil Nadu MPs are left to fend for themselves,” Ravikumar said.
MPs say that such neglect, especially for those representing parties within the DMK-led alliance, reflects poorly on the state’s approach to cooperative governance. "Political differences should not stand in the way of basic administrative facilitation," said a party source.
Need for Immediate Intervention
The call for designated MP offices across constituencies is not new. However, the matter has gained traction again as MPs prepare for an active session in Parliament, dealing with key issues concerning federal rights, budget allocations, and development planning.
Observers point out that resolving this issue will not only enable better governance and smoother constituent engagement but also send a strong message that the DMK-led alliance values each of its partners equally.
Despite repeated assurances, action remains pending. With public service being hindered, these MPs urge Chief Minister Stalin to issue immediate orders to provide office space, at least in district headquarters, and ensure that the dignity of public representatives is protected.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com:
Elected MPs, regardless of their political affiliations, deserve the infrastructure necessary to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities. The absence of office space, especially for alliance MPs, not only impacts governance but undermines public trust in the democratic process. It is essential that the State Government acts swiftly and ensures equal support to all MPs for the betterment of Tamil Nadu’s citizens.