DMK Walks Out of Tamil Nadu Assembly Over Corruption Charges by CM Vijay
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph C Vijay leveled allegations of organized corruption against the opposition DMK in the Legislative Assembly on Monday, prompting opposition legislators to storm the well and stage a walkout. The political confrontation took place while Vijay, cheered by ruling TVK legislators, was wrapping up the Assembly debate for grants to the Home department, a portfolio held by him.
Citing Enforcement Directorate documents sent to the state government by the Centre, Vijay accused the previous DMK administration of widespread graft in the municipal administration department and state-run liquor retailer TASMAC. He alleged that the central agency cited former chief minister M K Stalin and his deputy Udhayanidhi as beneficiaries of collected party funds, while also naming former excise minister V Senthil Balaji and his brother Ashok in connection with TASMAC operations.
Vijay told the House that the central agency's papers cited malpractice, fraud, manipulation, abuse of power, and an organized crime syndicate. He also pointed to an ED reference concerning a "Karur gang" collecting money from bar owners, characterizing the activities as scientific corruption. Broadening his critique, Vijay referenced the Sarkaria Commission report from the 1970s regarding alleged 2.5 per cent commissions on tenders during the administration led by M Karunanidhi.
The allegations provoked immediate protests from the opposition benches. DMK legislators, led by Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin, rose to their feet, shouted slogans, and rushed into the well of the House. Several members sat on the floor, while others surrounded Speaker JCD Prabhakar's podium seeking permission for Udhayanidhi to respond. Although the Speaker assured them that an opportunity would be provided and urged members to return to their seats, the DMK MLAs staged a walkout.
Following the walkout, Vijay asserted that those who demand evidence in graft matters avoid stating that they have not engaged in wrongdoing. Mentioning leaders CN Annadurai, MG Ramachandran, and NT Rama Rao, Vijay said that after them came himself, adding that he did not aspire for the chair or power but intended to pay a debt of gratitude to the people.
Addressing law enforcement, Vijay stated that the police department should be a friend to good people, an enemy to bad people, and must not operate as a power centre. He said crimes reported over the past three months were driven by past enmity and revenge, affirmed his intent to curb drug culture, and noted that 36 people had been arrested in connection with the murder of a college student in Coimbatore.
