In a major political development in Tamil Nadu, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) on Tuesday lodged a formal complaint with Governor R. N. Ravi, alleging that the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government had looted the state of ₹4 lakh crore over the past 56 months. The opposition party demanded a time-bound, court-monitored investigation into the alleged corruption, claiming severe financial mismanagement and administrative incompetence under the M. K. Stalin-led government.

Opposition Leaders Submit Detailed Dossier

AIADMK general secretary and opposition leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), accompanied by senior leaders including S. P. Velusami, submitted a detailed dossier outlining alleged irregularities, systemic loot, and financial mismanagement across multiple government departments. The submission was part of broader preparations for the upcoming assembly elections in Tamil Nadu this summer, and followed a recent meeting of AIADMK leaders with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss electoral alliances.

In a statement, AIADMK said the dossier covered “large-scale corruption, financial mismanagement, and systemic loot” committed by the DMK government since it assumed power on May 21, 2021. According to the AIADMK, the Stalin-led government has operated “like a private corporate syndicate rather than a democratic government,” prioritizing personal and party gain over public welfare.

Call for Special Investigation Commission

The AIADMK urged the Governor to constitute a special investigation commission, ideally headed by a retired Chief Justice of India, to conduct a thorough inquiry into the alleged ₹4 lakh crore corruption. The party emphasized the need for strict legal action against DMK ministers and bureaucrats if wrongdoing is confirmed.

“The AIADMK has placed facts before the Hon’ble Governor and demanded a comprehensive investigation,” the party said, accusing the DMK of “brazen loot running into crores” and pushing Tamil Nadu into an unprecedented debt trap.

Alleged Debt and Borrowing Mismanagement

AIADMK claimed that the DMK government had resorted to reckless borrowing of nearly ₹1 lakh crore every year, increasing the state’s debt burden by over ₹4 lakh crore. The opposition described this as evidence of administrative and fiscal mismanagement, with borrowing taking precedence over efficient governance and development.

The party also alleged that corruption had permeated 22 state departments, with the largest sums reportedly misappropriated in Municipal Administration and Drinking Water Supply (₹64,000 crore), Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (₹60,000 crore), and Highways and Minor Ports (₹60,000 crore).

Other departments cited in AIADMK’s complaint included:

• Electricity Department – ₹55,000 crore
• Prohibition and Excise – ₹50,000 crore
• Registration Department – ₹20,000 crore
• Water Resources Department – ₹17,000 crore
• Greater Chennai Corporation – ₹10,000 crore
• Industries Department – ₹8,000 crore
• School Education Department – ₹5,000 crore
• Social Welfare Department – ₹5,000 crore
• Agriculture Department – ₹5,000 crore
• Health Department – ₹4,000 crore
• Higher Education Department – ₹1,500 crore
• Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments – ₹1,000 crore
• Adi Dravidar Welfare Department – ₹1,000 crore
• Environment and Forest Department – ₹750 crore
• Youth Welfare and Sports Department – ₹500 crore
• Prisons Department – ₹500 crore
• Tourism Department – ₹250 crore
• Milk Development Department – ₹250 crore

The AIADMK claimed that this alleged corruption had led to a collapse in governance and law and order, with policy paralysis and administrative mismanagement driving industrial investors away from Tamil Nadu to neighboring states.

Controversial Audio Tape Allegations

The opposition party also referenced a leaked audio tape from 2023, allegedly of former Finance Minister Palanivel Thiagarajan (PTR), purportedly acknowledging corruption within the DMK family. PTR has denied that the voice in the recording belongs to him. Nevertheless, the AIADMK cited the tape to underline its claim of systemic corruption in the state.

Political Context and Election Preparations

The submission of the complaint comes amid growing political tension in Tamil Nadu as the state prepares for assembly elections this summer. AIADMK’s leaders have been vocal in criticizing DMK governance, alleging that widespread corruption and mismanagement have eroded public trust, stalled development, and weakened the state’s economic performance.

The AIADMK has framed the issue as a public interest concern, arguing that large-scale corruption has affected not just government finances, but also the daily lives of citizens, including infrastructure, education, health services, and welfare programs.

DMK Response

As of now, the DMK has not issued a formal response to the allegations. The ruling party’s silence has further intensified political rhetoric, with AIADMK leaders insisting that legal and judicial oversight is necessary to investigate the claims and restore accountability in governance.

Way Forward

The AIADMK’s complaint seeks to place the allegations under judicial scrutiny, with a call for a special court-monitored investigation to ensure transparency and impartiality. By requesting oversight from a retired Chief Justice of India, the opposition hopes to guarantee credible inquiry outcomes, and potentially hold officials and ministers accountable for the alleged misappropriation of state funds.

This development adds a new dimension to the political contest in Tamil Nadu, highlighting financial governance and corruption as central issues in the lead-up to the assembly elections, and potentially shaping voter sentiment in the months ahead.

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