Chennai, Oct 2:
DMK organising secretary RS Bharathi has accused the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government of irregularities in the appointment of government pleaders and questioned whether crores of rupees were collected as party funds in the process.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Bharathi referred to allegations that lawyers were asked to pay between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 30 lakh for government pleader appointments. He also pointed to a case filed by a TVK functionary and advocate, Gnanashoundari, before the Madras High Court over the issue.
He said the DMK’s deputy organising secretary, P. Thayagam Kavi, had already lodged a complaint with the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), seeking an investigation into the allegations.
Bharathi also referred to an alleged audio recording concerning negotiations for government pleader appointments in Kanniyakumari district, in which a TVK functionary, Anees, was allegedly heard discussing a payment of up to Rs 15 lakh. The matter is before the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court.
He questioned why the DVAC had not initiated an investigation despite the earlier complaint and the alleged audio evidence. Bharathi further asked whether the alleged collection of crores of rupees was meant for the TVK as party funds and whether the agency would investigate the matter.
Bharathi also questioned Law Minister Nirmal Kumar over the allegations and sought answers from Chief Minister Vijay on the government’s handling of the complaints.
The allegations and Bharathi’s claims remain matters for investigation and judicial consideration.