Chennai, Sept 21:
Senior CPI leader and Tirupur MP K Subbarayan has hit back at TVK general secretary and Minister Aadhav Arjuna over his remarks on alleged corruption during the previous DMK regime, questioning the TVK government’s decision to induct former BJP-AIADMK alliance MLAs.
Speaking at a meeting in Madurantakam, Aadhav Arjuna had challenged the Communist parties to respond to allegations of corruption in the highways and public works departments during the previous regime. He alleged that a 27 per cent commission system existed in government contracts, with 10 per cent allegedly going to a family fund, 8 per cent to a ministerial fund and 7 per cent to officials. He also raised allegations concerning the CMDA and TASMAC. Arjuna claimed the TVK government had reduced highway tender estimates by 27 per cent and said 27 tenders had subsequently been awarded.
Reacting to the remarks, Subbarayan questioned why MLAs who had won on the BJP-AIADMK alliance ticket were made to resign and subsequently inducted into the TVK, with two of them being selected as candidates in the bypolls. He sought an explanation for what he described as the political motive behind these moves. Subbarayan said the Communists would oppose corruption and irregularities if established, irrespective of who was involved.
Meanwhile, CPM state secretariat member K Kanagaraj questioned the TVK government’s claim of upholding social justice. He asked how social justice could be ensured if 4,724 nurses and other staff were appointed on a contractual basis. He also questioned the proposed contractual appointments of nursing college teachers and other staff, besides the appointment of 2,047 conductors and ministerial staff on contract. Kanagaraj further alleged that subsidies for nutritious meal centres had not been released for three months and questioned the delay in funds meant for food for poor children.