World · India Bureau
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay slams DMK over Periyar Arivulagam book procurement row
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Palaniswami has accused the DMK of corruption in book purchases for the Periyar Arivulagam cultural centre in Coimbatore, stating the public will not forgive such misuse of state funds. The allegations emerged after acclaimed writer Perumal Murugan raised concerns about irregularities in the procurement process.
LSN India ·
Chief Minister K. Palaniswami on Wednesday condemned what he described as corrupt practices in the procurement of books for Periyar Arivulagam, the cultural institution dedicated to social reformer Periyar E.V. Ramasamy in Coimbatore. In a statement posted on social media, Mr. Palaniswami remarked that such conduct by the DMK was consistent with the party's historical record, but lamented that public resources were being squandered in the process.
The controversy was triggered when renowned writer Perumal Murugan flagged irregularities in the book acquisition process at the institution. Mr. Murugan's concerns reportedly centred on deviations from proper procurement procedures that govern the purchase of materials for government-funded cultural centres.
Mr. Palaniswami suggested that the Tamil Nadu public would hold the DMK accountable for the alleged misappropriation of state funds. The chief minister's comments underline the political sensitivity surrounding the management of institutions associated with the Dravidian movement in the state.
The incident adds to ongoing tensions between the AIADMK-led government and the opposition DMK over governance and financial accountability in Tamil Nadu's cultural and educational institutions.