The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly reconvened in Chennai on August 17 after a four-day break, amid a charged atmosphere and heated exchanges between DMK and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) members.
The first Budget Session after TVK formed the government began on August 5. Finance Minister Mariya Wilson presented the 2026–27 general budget, followed by Agriculture Minister Vinoth presenting the agriculture budget the next morning. Debates on both budgets were held from August 7 to 11, with opposition parties alleging that election promises were not reflected in the budget; ministers responded on August 12.
From August 17, the House began discussions on departmental grant demands. On the day, the grant demands for the Revenue and Disaster Management Department and the Health and Family Welfare Department were taken up, with members from both sides expected to speak. Ministers Sengottaiyan and Arunraj were scheduled to reply and make key announcements for their departments.
During the sitting, Speaker J. C. T. Prabhakar praised Chief Minister Vijay’s administration as it completed 100 days, citing what he described as transparent governance and the rollout of new initiatives without seeking publicity.
The session also saw a sharp exchange on narcotics and murders in the state. DMK leader Udhayanidhi raised the issue, to which Minister Aadhav responded by linking drug abuse to rising crimes and citing an increase in POCSO cases from 6,968 in 2023 to 10,046 in 2024. Udhayanidhi questioned the government’s appointments and awards related to anti-narcotics work. Amid the argument, the Speaker said a remark made by the minister was unacceptable and ordered it removed from the official records.
