Opposition Leader Udhayanidhi is undergoing special preparation to speak in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly budget session, according to senior DMK functionaries.
They said the first budget session of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government is set to begin on June 18, drawing heightened public expectations. The session is also Udhayanidhi’s first as Leader of the Opposition, prompting anticipation within the DMK as well.
DMK leaders recalled that Udhayanidhi’s earlier speech during the confidence vote on the TVK government received wide attention, after which Chief Minister Vijay issued a lengthy statement from home, as he was unable to respond immediately on the floor of the House. Following criticism, Vijay is said to be preparing to deliver prompt replies during the budget session and to frame department-wise debates to counter the Opposition.
After learning of this, Udhayanidhi has also stepped up his preparations. The DMK plans to raise issues including the Mekedatu dam, power outages and law and order, and to move attention motions on these matters.
Former DMK ministers and retired government officials are said to be briefing him on the history of the Cauvery-related dispute, while a serving electricity board official has been helping him understand the power-cut issue. He has also been collecting and repeatedly reviewing five-year data on law and order, and meeting experienced Assembly-related officials—training for up to five hours daily, the leaders said.
