In a statement, Palaniswami asserted that the DMK’s slogan of “good governance in local bodies” is merely an empty promise and a false advertisement. He cited the resignations of mayors in Coimbatore and Tirunelveli corporations under the DMK regime, and recent arrests in the Madurai Corporation regarding alleged property tax assessment irregularities, including a former assistant commissioner and a zonal head’s assistant. Palaniswami claimed that the arrested individuals confessed to reducing property tax based on instructions from zonal chiefs and councillors.
Palaniswami further alleged that Chief Minister M.K. Stalin ordered the resignation of the involved DMK zonal committee heads to protect them, accusing Stalin of always attempting to shield those who commit crimes. He highlighted that beyond Madurai, other corporations, municipalities, and town panchayats under DMK control are facing numerous corruption allegations, not only from opposition parties and the public but also from DMK councillors and their alliance partners, leading to internal protests.
According to Palaniswami, this rampant corruption, described as “commission, collection, and corruption,” is a direct consequence of local body positions being occupied by family members of the ruling party. He raised suspicions that local self-governing bodies, meant for public welfare, have instead become instruments for the “family dominance” of the ruling party.
Palaniswami stated that the people of Tamil Nadu view the Chief Minister’s repeated public pronouncements of “good governance in local bodies” as mere empty rhetoric and talk.