Tamil Nadu Assembly Sees Heated Clash Over Alliance Shifts, Poll Promises

The Tamil Nadu Assembly on Tuesday witnessed a heated exchange between former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam and the treasury benches, with a debate over the TVK government’s electoral promises quickly turning into a confrontation over political loyalties and shifting alliances.

Initiating the discussion, Panneerselvam, who joined the DMK ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls, accused the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government of failing to implement key promises made to voters. He specifically flagged the proposed enhanced monthly financial assistance for women and the distribution of six free LPG cylinders annually.

Panneerselvam said voters had backed a change but were now disappointed, arguing that the manifesto commitments should have been introduced as flagship welfare schemes. He also claimed that public sentiment was turning against the government.

Leader of the House K A Sengottaiyan rejected the criticism, reminding Panneerselvam that the government had a five-year mandate to fulfil its commitments. He also questioned the former chief minister’s criticism of the budget and referred to Panneerselvam’s earlier remarks about the difficulty of creating a political record within a short period.

The exchange became personal when Sengottaiyan took a swipe at Panneerselvam’s political realignment, suggesting that changing alliances did not require him to praise his new leadership. Panneerselvam responded by pointing to Sengottaiyan’s own move from the AIADMK to Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay-led TVK.

The dispute then shifted to political symbols and loyalty. School Education Minister A Rajmohan and Public Works and Sports Minister Aadhav Arjuna highlighted Sengottaiyan’s continued practice of carrying J Jayalalithaa’s photograph despite his change of party.

Panneerselvam defended his position, saying leaders including Periyar, C N Annadurai, M Karunanidhi, M G Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa remained in his heart. He said carrying M K Stalin’s photograph was an expression of gratitude and linked his position to the Dravidian movement and the fight for state rights.

Sengottaiyan later clarified that his objection was to Panneerselvam’s criticism of the budget, rather than the photographs themselves. As the exchanges intensified, Speaker J C D Prabhakar intervened, directing that certain remarks be expunged from the record and urging members to restore order in the House..