# Stalin reprimands DMK MLAs for jokes in Assembly

2026-08-11T00:45:37+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 2 independent outlets

DMK president M.K. Stalin has pulled up party MLAs, including former minister M.R.K. Panneerselvam, for making frivolous speeches during the Tamil Nadu Assembly budget session, the Times of India reports. Stalin reportedly told them to highlight the TVK government’s failures instead of joking. The Hindu, however, described the same exchanges as light-hearted, with Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay enjoying the moments. Panneerselvam had teased ministers about their relaxed mornings, prompting Deputy Leader of the House K.N. Nehru's farming land to be mentioned. Leader of the House K.A. Sengottaiyan intervened to remind members about the land ceiling Act.

## Coverage

- thehindu.com <https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/former-minister-mrk-panneerselvam-sparks-lively-exchanges-in-tamil-nadu-assembly/article71329590.ece>
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/stalin-pulls-up-dmk-mlas-over-frivolous-speeches-in-budget-session/articleshow/133191414.cms>

Tags: C Joseph Vijay, Cauvery delta, Goondas Act, M.R.K. Panneerselvam, political banter, Tamil Nadu Assembly
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