Chennai, August 17: K. Annamalai, founder of ‘We the Leaders’ and former president of the Tamil Nadu BJP, has accused several ministers from the Tamil Nadu government, led by the Tamilaga Vetria Kzhagam (TVK), of demanding a commission of 2 to 4 percent on government tenders.
While Annamalai did not name any specific ministers or release the audio recording he claims supports his allegations, he addressed his supporters in Chennai, stating that despite the state government’s assertions of eradicating corruption, it is re-emerging.
He mentioned that Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay is personally against corruption but needs to keep a close watch on his ministers and officials. Annamalai noted that while large government tenders are not being solicited for commissions, some ministers have recently begun requesting cuts in other contracts. He claims to possess an audio clip that allegedly captures these demands.
The former BJP leader alleged that those requesting payments justify their demands by claiming they had incurred expenses during the recent assembly elections. He urged Chief Minister Vijay to take immediate action in this matter and rein in the ministers and officials to prevent this practice from taking root.
Annamalai emphasized that he is raising this issue at an early stage and does not wish to wait for it to escalate into a significant political controversy a year later. However, he also reiterated the need to give the TVK-led government adequate time to prove its administrative capabilities.
He described the TVK’s electoral victory in Tamil Nadu as a political revolution, noting that 101 out of the party’s 108 legislators are first-time members. Annamalai acknowledged that while the state government has performed well in certain areas, it has also made mistakes. He stated that his party’s organization is monitoring the government’s operations and submitting reports on issues that require attention.
He welcomed the government’s actions in response to criticism, including measures against TASMAC liquor shops located within 500 meters of educational institutions and places of worship.
Annamalai declared, “If the TVK government does not perform well, we will be the first to raise allegations against it.” However, he also mentioned that the constructive efforts made by the state government should be recognized.
Referring to the state government’s efforts to save ₹15,000 crores through the 2026 budget, Annamalai urged Chief Minister Vijay to allocate ₹5,000 crores each for three priority areas: the revival and conservation of rural water bodies, improvement of infrastructure in government schools, and overall development of rural areas.
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