Opposition parties attempting to poach TVK MLAs, alleges Tamil Nadu minister
Minister R Nirmal Kumar claimed rival parties are using thousands of crores to buy ruling party legislators.
Tamil Nadu State Minister R Nirmal Kumar on Wednesday alleged that the DMK and AIADMK are attempting to poach TVK MLAs ahead of upcoming elections. According to Telangana Today, the minister claimed that rival parties are using thousands of lakhs of crores of rupees to fund these horse-trading efforts.
Kumar alleged that offers between Rs 60 crore and Rs 70 crore are being made to legislators. He stated that illicit hawala money trails linked to these operations have surfaced in Bengaluru and that investigations are currently ongoing.
The minister dismissed recent political moves, such as TTV Dhinakaran meeting the Governor to seek a no-confidence motion against the TVK government. He alleged that the BJP, DMK, and AIADMK are working together covertly.
Regarding administrative reforms, Kumar claimed that government positions were previously sold, citing instances where Rs 30 lakh to Rs 35 lakh was allegedly paid for Forest Department jobs. He said investigations are progressing to ensure merit-based appointments.
The minister also addressed corruption in the state-run liquor retailer TASMAC, noting that consumers have been illegally overcharged by Rs 10 per bottle since 2003. He stated the government is committed to overhauling the 23-year-old system despite internal resistance.
On electricity issues, Kumar said strict circulars have been issued to substations to prohibit unannounced power shutdowns without proper log entries. He warned that those who violate these instructions will face strict action.