Assembly Sees Heated Debate as PWD Minister Accuses DMK-Led Civic Bodies of Non-Cooperation

A sharp exchange broke out in the Assembly on Monday after Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Aadhav Arjuna accused the DMK of retaining its control over civic bodies across Tamil Nadu and alleged rampant corruption during its tenure.

Speaking in the House, Arjuna claimed that a majority of urban local bodies, including 25 municipal corporations, remain under the control of the DMK. He alleged that civic representatives and mayors, including the mayor of Chennai, were refusing to cooperate with the government.

The minister stated that local body elections were expected to take place in six to seven months, asserting that the TVK would win all civic bodies and expose evidence of alleged irregularities.

The debate followed allegations raised by Madurai West MLA S R Thangapandi regarding a multi-crore property tax scam involving the mayor in the Madurai Corporation.

Responding to the allegations, former minister K N Nehru said that action had already been initiated in the Madurai case, noting that several individuals, including the mayor, had been suspended from the party. Nehru maintained that the state government should investigate any claims of corruption and take necessary action if wrongdoing is proven, adding that the government already possesses the authority to act against non-cooperating local representatives.