Have audios’: Annamalai alleges Vijay govt ministers demand 2-4% kickbacks from contractors

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay’s government has come under fresh scrutiny after former BJP state president K Annamalai alleged that some ministers were seeking kickbacks from contractors handling government tenders.

Speaking at an environmental awareness event organised by his outfit in Chennai on Sunday, Annamalai claimed he had audio recordings to support his allegations and urged Vijay to take action against ministers and officials before corruption becomes entrenched in the administration.

Annamalai acknowledged Vijay’s stated opposition to corruption but alleged that some members of his Cabinet had begun demanding a percentage from government contracts.

“It is true that the CM is against corruption, and we see that. They did not take kickbacks in major tenders earlier, but some ministers have started demanding them now,” Annamalai alleged, according to PTI.

Claiming to possess audio evidence, Annamalai alleged that some ministers had told contractors they had spent money during elections and were therefore seeking a share of government contracts.

“Some ministers are saying they came after giving money for votes, so give two per cent, give three per cent, give four per cent,” he alleged.

Annamalai urged Vijay to maintain closer oversight of ministers and senior officials, suggesting regular reviews to prevent corruption from spreading through the administration.

“You stated in your Independence Day address that corruption would be eradicated in our lifetime. Tighten the reins on ministers and officials with regular weekend review meetings, because if the reins are loosened, the administration will drift,” he said.

Vijay’s anti-corruption stance

The allegations come as Vijay has repeatedly made the fight against corruption a key theme of his public addresses.

In his maiden Independence Day speech as chief minister, Vijay said his government was committed to eliminating corruption and claimed that the diversion of government revenue to private individuals had been prevented.

“Government’s revenue going to private individual has been prevented and continuous action is being taken to eliminate graft in all departments,” Vijay said.

During a rally in Karur, Vijay also urged people not to pay bribes if officials or others demanded money and assured them of his support.

Annamalai’s latest allegations put renewed focus on the gap between Vijay’s stated zero-tolerance approach to corruption and claims of wrongdoing involving members of his government. The allegations have not been independently established.