Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay used Monday’s Assembly session to challenge the DMK’s reputation as a “Mr Clean” party, accusing it of systemic corruption and demanding proof whenever such charges are raised.
Citing Enforcement Directorate documents and the 1976 Justice Sarkaria Commission report, Vijay alleged that former Chief Minister M. K. Stalin and former deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin benefited from kickbacks collected as party funds. He said contractors working on state‑funded infrastructure projects under the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department were forced to pay commissions ranging from 7.5 to 10 per cent of the contract value, paid in instalments similar to an EMI on a loan.
The Assembly erupted when the CM named the two leaders as alleged beneficiaries. DMK members surrounded the podium, displayed posters, and eventually staged a walkout after Speaker J. C. D. Prabhakar denied them permission to respond, citing their disruptive behaviour and the live telecast of proceedings.
Vijay also criticised the DMK’s habit of demanding proof while never acknowledging its own corruption. He warned that the party’s history, including past references to the Maintenance of Internal Security Act, would be scrutinised, and criticised the opposition for failing to accept the public mandate and lacking the temperament to remain in politics.
