Row in Assembly Over ₹5.5-Crore Renovation Tender for New CM Office in Chennai

Former highways minister E V Velu on Tuesday questioned the Tamil Nadu government in the assembly over the ₹5.5-crore renovation tenders for the proposed Chief Minister's office on the 10th floor of Namakkal Kavignar Maligai in Chennai.

Participating in a debate on demands for public works department grants, Velu cited reports indicating that renovation work had commenced prior to the floating of e-tenders. He sought a response from PWD Minister Aadhav Arjuna and questioned why Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay could not continue operating from Fort St George.

Velu raised concerns voiced by secretariat staff regarding inadequate space, noting that occupying the entire 10th floor would leave employees with insufficient room, including dining areas. He pointed out that past chief ministers—including C N Annadurai, M Karunanidhi, M G Ramachandran, J Jayalalithaa, O Panneerselvam, Edappadi K Palaniswami, and M K Stalin—had successfully functioned from the existing secretariat while implementing key development and welfare schemes.

Velu noted that while it was up to the chief minister to decide on his workplace, the tendering process lacked promised transparency if work began before tenders were officially floated.

PWD Minister Aadhav Arjuna rejected the allegations, stating that the media reports were incorrect and confirming that the tender process had not yet concluded. He defended the relocation as a temporary measure necessitated by severe space constraints.

Aadhav explained that when approximately 80 personnel work alongside the chief minister, existing facilities lack even basic amenities like adequate restrooms. He clarified that the move was not being made for the chief minister's personal comfort.

The minister also announced that the state government would issue a white paper detailing the functioning of the PWD and highways departments over the past five years. Aadhav noted that over the last 60 days, the government had retendered more than 20 projects initiated under the previous administration, securing bids that came in 20% to 36% lower under the existing schedule of rates.

In response, Velu stated that the schedule of rates had been in place since 1944 and was determined by an expert committee of IAS officers rather than ministers. He added that contractors routinely quote lower bids to secure work and meet ongoing machinery, fuel, and labour expenses.