A Dinamalar editorial by publisher L. Aadhimoolam has welcomed Chief Minister Vijay’s promise of “transparent governance,” arguing that the pledge must be tested in practice rather than remain a slogan.
The piece says transparency should begin in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, with the public able to watch and hear proceedings as they happen. It calls for uninterrupted live telecast, and insists that what members say—whether from the ruling side or the Opposition—should be recorded without deletions.
Recalling past instances where Speakers allegedly used their powers to remove Opposition remarks from the official record, the editorial argues that elected representatives speak for lakhs of citizens and that criticism of the government is part of democracy. It also says citizens and public representatives have the right to question, satirise and criticise those in power.
The editorial further urges the Chief Minister to order the release of those detained and to withdraw cases filed against journalists, stating that exposing wrongdoing by governments, ministers or power centres should not be treated as a crime.
Concluding, it says implementing such reforms would set an example for other states, and warns that if the government hesitates due to self-interested officials, public trust could be shaken.
