P. Chidambaram Praises TVK Government on Curbing Corruption in Tamil Nadu

Former Union Minister for Finance and Home Affairs P. Chidambaram on Wednesday stated that there has been virtually nil corruption at offices of the Registration department and the State power utility after the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) assumed office in Tamil Nadu.

Speaking in an interview at his residence in Chennai, Mr. Chidambaram cited public feedback gathered during his visits to his home district of Sivaganga. He noted that residents reported no corruption during the registration of documents or during teachers' transfers.

Mr. Chidambaram observed that corruption has almost been eliminated at Electricity Board offices and that sanctions for the appointment of teachers in government-aided schools and colleges are now being dispatched by post. When assessing the performance of the State government, he noted that only 105 days had passed, describing it as a short period to make a full evaluation.

Reflecting on the 2026 Assembly election outcome, the former Union Minister stated that political parties, media outlets, and commentators had failed to read the political landscape accurately. He said observers had incorrectly assumed that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) held 80 percent of the political space, rather than simply 80 percent of legislative seats.

He also highlighted the significant role played by Gen Z voters during the election, noting that in his constituency, younger voters had completed casting their ballots by 11 a.m. on polling day.

Addressing the continuation of welfare subsidies in the State, Mr. Chidambaram said schemes should be evaluated based on the positive externalities they generate. He cited the free bus travel scheme for women as an example, pointing out that in Karaikudi, where a women's law college was established, families from villages within a 20 km to 25 km radius sent their daughters to college primarily due to the availability of the bus service.