Annamalai alleges corruption among TVK ministers, calls for action

Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai has alleged that some ministers in the ruling TVK administration have begun accepting bribes and claimed that he has audio recordings to support his allegations

Speaking at an environmental awareness programme organised by his We The Leaders movement in Egmore, Annamalai said he was bringing the matter directly to Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay’s attention and urged him to take action against ministers accused of wrongdoing.

He also discussed the contentious Mekedatu dam proposal. Although he reiterated his opposition to the project, Annamalai said he continued to have confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and urged him to consider the possible consequences for relations between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. He suggested that the two state governments should be brought together to seek a solution.

Annamalai said his opposition to Mekedatu had not changed since his tenure as Tamil Nadu BJP president, when the state unit had campaigned against the proposal.

He also accused opposition parties of engaging in political manoeuvring aimed at weakening the TVK government and argued that the administration should be given time to work.

According to Annamalai, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had previously asked him to shift to Delhi and take up a three-year organisational responsibility. He said he declined because he wanted to remain in Tamil Nadu and work for the people of the state.

Annamalai also called for the state government to set aside Rs 15,000 crore over five years for improving village water bodies, schools and rural infrastructure.