Sparks fly in TN Assembly as CM Vijay cites ED papers to target DMK over serious graft; Oppn party stages walkout after ruckus

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph C. Vijay launched a forceful attack on the DMK in the Assembly, accusing the opposition party of serious and organized corruption during its previous regime. His allegations, delivered in a high-pitched voice and backed by desk-thumping from ruling legislators, provoked a noisy confrontation and an eventual walkout by DMK members.

Vijay said the DMK had collected alleged “party funds” and referred to what he called “scientific corruption,” tracing the alleged wrongdoing back as far as the 1970s. “Irregularities happen only where the DMK is present, and the DMK will be present only where wrongs occur,” he asserted while replying to the Assembly debate on grants for the Home department.

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Irregularities happen only where the DMK is present, and the DMK will be present only where wrongs occur.

The chief minister said he was relying on documents from the Enforcement Directorate that had been sent to the state government by the central government. He cited alleged corruption in the municipal administration department and the state-run liquor retailer TASMAC. Vijay also said the agency’s papers identified former chief minister M.K. Stalin and his deputy, Udhayanidhi Stalin, among alleged beneficiaries connected to the collection of party funds.

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Dishonest intention; what a great achievement and that is the DMK.

Former Excise Minister V. Senthil Balaji and his brother Ashok were mentioned in connection with alleged corruption at TASMAC. Vijay said the Enforcement Directorate had used terms including “malpractice,” “fraud,” “manipulation,” “abuse of power” and “organised crime syndicate” in describing the allegations. “Dishonest intention; what a great achievement and that is the DMK,” he said, challenging the opposition with the question, “is this evidence enough?”

DMK legislators led by Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin stood up, raised slogans and moved toward the Speaker’s podium. Some sat on the floor while others surrounded the podium, seeking permission for Stalin to respond. Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar said they would have an opportunity to speak and urged them to return to their seats. The legislators eventually walked out. Vijay continued his attack, saying opposition members demand evidence when the treasury benches raise corruption allegations but do not explicitly deny wrongdoing.

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is this evidence enough