Speaker decides to refer DMK MLA’s remarks against CM Vijay to Privileges Committee

Published 7 August 2026 · politics

Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar on Friday said the matter regarding Vilathikulam DMK MLA G.V. Markandayan‘s remarks about Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay

Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar on Friday said the matter regarding Vilathikulam DMK MLA G.V. Markandayan‘s remarks about Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay at a public meeting will be referred to the Privileges Committee. The MLA, who was recently arrested for his remarks and is out on bail, was participating in the debate on the Budget in the Assembly, when Minister for Energy Resources and Law R. Nirmalkumar intervened and requested action against him for what he described as defaming the Legislative Assembly and the Chief Minister in a public meeting. Following this, Minister for Public Works and Sports Development Aadhav Arjuna informed the House that a letter had been submitted in this regard. Then, the Speaker stated he had received a letter noting that Mr. Markandayan’s public meeting remarks regarding the Chief Minister and the Assembly “demeaned the dignity of the House”, and he briefly read out excerpts of the speech.

DMK members expressed their opposition to this. As DMK members persisted with their opposition, the Speaker said, “If you argue that Mr. Markandayan’s speech was right, I have two choices before me: either ask the House what action to take and decide based on the majority, or refer the matter to the Privileges Committee.” He then noted that since the Privileges Committee is currently not constituted, the matter will be sent to it once the committee is formed. Speaking after this, DMK leader E.V. Velu argued, “A person should not be punished twice for the same offence. A case was registered over Mr Markandeyan’s speech, and he was remanded in judicial custody for 14 days. Reviewing this here under these circumstances is unprecedented.” Responding to this, the Speaker remarked, “If a statement made outside pertains to the Assembly and tarnishes its dignity, it is something I must take note of.

Therefore, it will be referred to the Privileges Committee, and action will be taken.” Earlier during the same debate, Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) MLA A Ganeshkumar demanded that the government disclose which are the 717 liquor shops which were shut down and voiced opposition to the online sale of liquor. Countering this, Prohibition Minister Vignesh clarified liquor could only be booked online. Mr Velu objected to certain words used by the Minister during the clarification. Subsequently, Ministers K.G. Arunraj and Aadhav Arjuna put forward several points. Notably, Mr Arjuna raised questions regarding election funding, to which Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin responded. As both sides exchanged arguments, DMK MLA O. Panneerselvam requested these remarks be expunged from the House records.