BJP Leader Questions Suspension of TN Assembly’s Live Telecast, Targets CM Vijay

CHENNAI:
Senior BJP leader H. Raja has strongly criticised the Tamil Nadu government over the sudden interruption of the live telecast of Assembly proceedings, questioning whether the move was intended to prevent the public from witnessing what he described as the Chief Minister’s “embarrassment” during debates in the House.

The controversy erupted after the live broadcast of the Assembly proceedings was reportedly stopped during the discussion on the Governor’s Address. The telecast had continued through the special resolution moved by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay against Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu dam project and the speeches made by leaders of various opposition parties on the issue.

However, opposition parties alleged that the live feed was discontinued once the debate on the Governor’s Address began, drawing criticism from several quarters.

In a social media post, Raja accused the ruling TVK government of going back on a key election promise.

During the Assembly election campaign, Vijay had assured voters that all Assembly proceedings would be telecast live to ensure transparency and allow the public to closely follow legislative debates.

Questioning the government’s decision, Raja asked whether the telecast was halted because the Chief Minister was uncomfortable facing spontaneous questions from opposition members. He alleged that while Vijay could read prepared resolutions, the government feared exposing him to unscripted exchanges and criticism during legislative debates.

“The government promised complete transparency and said every Assembly proceeding would be telecast live. But the broadcast was stopped when the discussion on the Governor’s Address began. Is this because the Chief Minister is unable to answer sudden questions raised by opposition leaders?” Raja asked.

The BJP leader further argued that legislative proceedings could not be concealed from public scrutiny, saying debates held inside the Assembly would eventually become known to the people through legislators and the media.

Drawing a sharp distinction between governance and cinema, Raja said running a government required continuous engagement with public issues, opposition viewpoints and evolving developments, rather than relying on scripted speeches. He urged the Chief Minister to govern with a deeper understanding of public concerns and prove his administrative capabilities through performance.

Raja also warned that a government could not sustain itself on image-building alone and suggested that failure to deliver effective governance could result in political consequences similar to those faced by previous administrations.

The ruling TVK government has not yet responded to Raja’s allegations regarding the suspension of the Assembly’s live telecast.