Minister Arunraj Defends Marie Wilson, Calls Him Whistleblower in Bribery Row

Tamil Nadu Health Minister Arunraj on Wednesday defended state Finance Minister N Marie Wilson over his recent admission of paying a bribe, describing him as a "whistleblower" and a victim of "systemic extortion" under the previous regime.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the launch of Apollo Multi Speciality Hospital in Chennai, Arunraj responded to demands from BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran seeking legal action against Wilson and his removal from the state Cabinet. Arunraj asserted that the finance minister was not a willing participant in corruption.

"Actually, he is a victim. He is a victim of forced bribery and corruption. He was forced to give," Arunraj told reporters.

Pushing back against the argument that giving a bribe constitutes an equal crime, the Health Minister claimed that authorities during the previous administration had made such payoffs compulsory for private educational institutions.

"Since they insist, and it was made compulsory for all the private schools and colleges during the previous regime... In that sense, he's a victim actually, he has come out as a whistleblower," Arunraj said, adding that the law provides protection for whistleblowers and that a proper enquiry must be conducted into the matter.

Wilson had alleged in the Legislative Assembly on Monday that he was forced to pay a bribe to the School Education Department during the previous DMK government. The statement drew sharp reactions, leading former School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi to demand a probe by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption into the confession.

During the interaction, Arunraj also touched upon the state government's broader developmental stance when asked about concerns regarding the diversion of agricultural land for industrial purposes. Clarifying the administration's policy, he stated that the government is not opposed to progress, noting, "We are against forced acquisition and any development which is against the wishes of the people."