Chennai: ‘We The Leaders’ founder and former Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President K. Annamalai on Sunday alleged that some Ministers in the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led state government had begun demanding commissions ranging from two to four per cent in government tenders.
He, however, did not identify the Ministers or release the audio recording that he claimed would substantiate the allegation.
Addressing a meeting of his supporters in Chennai, Annamalai said that corruption had begun resurfacing despite the state government’s assertion that such practices had been eliminated.
He added that Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay was personally opposed to corruption but urged him to closely monitor his Ministers and officials.
According to Annamalai, commissions were not being sought in major tenders, but some Ministers had recently begun demanding cuts in other contracts.
He claimed to possess an audio clip in which demands for commissions were purportedly made.
Annamalai alleged that those seeking payments were attempting to justify their demands by claiming that they had spent money during the recent state Assembly election.
He called upon Chief Minister Vijay to act immediately and “bridle” Ministers and officials before the practice became entrenched.
The former BJP leader said that he was raising the issue at an early stage rather than waiting for a year to make it a major political controversy.
At the same time, Annamalai reiterated that the new TVK-led state government should be given adequate time to demonstrate its administrative capabilities.
Describing the TVK’s electoral victory as a political revolution in Tamil Nadu, the former BJP leader said that 101 of the party’s 108 legislators were first-time MLAs.
He added that the state administration had performed well in some areas while making mistakes in others.
Annamalai said his party organisation was monitoring the state government’s functioning and submitting reports on matters requiring attention.
He welcomed instances in which the state administration had responded to criticism, including action against Tasmac liquor outlets located within 500 metres of educational institutions and places of worship.
“If they (TVK government) do not perform well, we will be the first to level charges against them,” the former BJP leader said, while adding that constructive action by the state government deserved appreciation.
Referring to the state government’s efforts to save Rs 15,000 crore through the 2026 Budget, Annamalai urged CM Vijay to allocate Rs 5,000 crore each to three priority sectors — restoration and protection of rural water bodies, improvement of infrastructure in government schools, and comprehensive development of rural areas.
(IANS)
