AMMK chief questions CM's empty corruption pledges at procurement centres

AMMK party leader TTV Dhinakaran has questioned the sincerity of Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister on tackling corruption, claiming his statements against graft at agricultural procurement centres (DPCs) lack credibility and action.

Dhinakaran's criticism stems from an alleged incident at a DPC near Panruti in Cuddalore district, where farmers were reportedly asked to pay bribes as low as ₹50 per bag. The AMMK chief suggested that the Chief Minister's public remarks on curbing corruption at these centres ring hollow if such malpractices continue unchecked on the ground.

"Are the Chief Minister's statements on corruption merely cinematic dialogues with no substance?" Dhinakaran asked, drawing a comparison to empty film rhetoric. He argued that without concrete enforcement and oversight, procurement centre officials continue to extort money from farmers with impunity.

Agricultural procurement centres play a crucial role in Tamil Nadu's farm support system, serving as collection points where farmers sell their produce to government agencies. Allegations of petty corruption at these facilities have periodically surfaced, raising questions about the state government's ability to maintain transparency in the procurement process.

The AMMK leader's comments add to growing political pressure on the state administration to demonstrate tangible results in its anti-corruption drive at ground level.