Chennai, July 21, 2025 — Several Members of Parliament from key allies of Tamil Nadu’s ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) — including the Indian National Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), and Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) — have publicly expressed concerns over the lack of government-provided office spaces in their constituencies, hindering their ability to engage with constituents and fulfill their parliamentary duties.
The issue came to light as MPs, including VCK General Secretary and Villupuram MP D. Ravikumar, Congress’ Mayiladuthurai MP R. Sudha, and CPI(M)’s Madurai MP Su. Venkatesan, highlighted the absence of dedicated office spaces, forcing them to rely on rented accommodations. This situation, they argue, compromises their independence and ability to serve the public effectively. Venkatesan noted that the issue had been raised multiple times, including by VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan during a State Development and Coordination Committee meeting, but no action has been taken by the Tamil Nadu state administration. “MPs are in a situation where they have to get rented buildings at the mercy of officials or local politicians,” Venkatesan stated, urging Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to address the issue promptly.
Ravikumar echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that MPs from Tamil Nadu, who are vocal advocates for state rights in Parliament, deserve equitable treatment compared to their counterparts in states like Karnataka, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh, where such facilities are reportedly provided. “Is it right to treat them like this?” Ravikumar questioned, calling for immediate action to ensure MPs have access to proper infrastructure to carry out their responsibilities.
The lack of office space has raised broader concerns about the treatment of elected representatives from DMK’s allied parties, which form part of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) that swept all 39 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu in the 2024 general elections. Political observers suggest that the issue could strain relations within the alliance, particularly as the DMK, led by Chief Minister Stalin, has maintained a cohesive front with its partners since 2017. The Congress, VCK, and CPI(M) remain critical allies due to ideological alignment and their opposition to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), but unresolved grievances could challenge this unity ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
The Tamil Nadu government has not yet issued an official response to the MPs’ demands. However, sources within the state administration indicate that logistical and bureaucratic delays may be contributing to the issue. The MPs have called for swift intervention to provide government-allotted office spaces, arguing that such facilities are essential for effective public engagement and governance.
As the issue gains traction, it underscores the challenges faced by elected representatives in balancing administrative support with their mandate to serve the public. With Tamil Nadu’s political landscape gearing up for a competitive 2026 election cycle, resolving these concerns could be pivotal in maintaining the strength of the DMK-led alliance.
