CM Vijay warns DMK over corruption charges; says files will be revealed at ‘right time’

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the DMK, claiming his government possessed evidence of corruption during the previous regime and warning that the files would be made public at the “right time”. Speaking in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Vijay asked the Opposition not to force his hand as the DMK stepped up its attack on his government over alleged irregularities. The exchange marked a fresh escalation in the confrontation between the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and the DMK.

The Chief Minister’s remarks came after his government faced questions over its own record and amid a political row surrounding actor Trisha Krishnan’s presence at the state’s Independence Day celebrations. Vijay said his administration would not shy away from exposing alleged wrongdoing by the previous government and maintained that it had documentary evidence to support its charges.

White Paper on alleged irregularities

Public Works Minister Aadhav Arjuna had told the Assembly on Tuesday that the government was preparing a detailed White Paper on alleged corruption and irregularities under the previous DMK administration. The proposed document is expected to set out the government’s allegations concerning decisions and expenditure during the previous regime.

Vijay reinforced that position in the House on Wednesday, saying the government would disclose the material when it considered the timing appropriate. His remarks came days after he used his first Independence Day address as Chief Minister to place the fight against corruption at the centre of his administration’s agenda. Vijay had said eliminating corruption was comparable to achieving freedom and declared that his government was working in “mission mode” towards clean governance.

The DMK, however, has sought to turn the anti-corruption argument back on the government by questioning alleged irregularities under the new administration.

Trisha row adds to political clash

The confrontation has unfolded alongside another bitter dispute between the two sides over actor Trisha Krishnan’s presence at the Independence Day function at Fort St George.

DMK mouthpiece Murasoli criticised the prominence given to Trisha at the official event, particularly her front-row seating and an exchange of salutes with Vijay. The publication questioned whether such arrangements were appropriate for a formal state ceremony and accused the government of undermining the dignity associated with the Chief Minister’s office.

The controversy has widened an already acrimonious political battle involving Vijay, the DMK and Trisha.

Earlier this month, DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin was detained in connection with allegedly objectionable remarks made during a political rally. The controversy had prompted TVK to accuse him of making derogatory comments, while Udhayanidhi maintained that his remarks had been misrepresented.

Corruption becomes political flashpoint

The latest Assembly exchange has brought corruption to the forefront of the battle between Vijay’s government and the principal Opposition.

TVK had made clean administration one of its central political themes, and Vijay has repeatedly projected his government as committed to transparency and zero tolerance towards corruption.

The DMK, in turn, has challenged the ruling party’s claims and sought explanations over controversies that have emerged since the new government assumed office.

Vijay’s warning that his administration possesses files relating to the previous regime signals that the government could intensify its scrutiny of decisions taken during the DMK’s tenure.

For now, however, the Chief Minister has stopped short of detailing the specific cases or individuals that could feature in the proposed disclosures.

The government’s promised White Paper is therefore likely to become the next major point of confrontation between the two parties, with the ruling TVK seeking to use alleged irregularities of the previous administration to reinforce its anti-corruption credentials and the DMK attempting to subject Vijay’s own government to similar scrutiny.