The DMK on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) for allegedly removing Chief Minister M K Stalin's name from the plaque of a desalination project in Chennai. The project, worth Rs 1,516 crore, was inaugurated by Stalin in February 2024 to provide drinking water to around 9 lakh residents in Chennai's southern suburbs and the IT corridor.
DMK accuses TVK of political vendetta
DMK spokesperson T K S Elangovan alleged that TVK workers deliberately removed Stalin's name from the plaque at the desalination plant site. "This is not just an act of vandalism but a deliberate attempt to erase the contributions of the DMK government. The project was conceived and executed under Stalin's leadership, and removing his name is an insult to the people of Tamil Nadu," Elangovan said.
The DMK has demanded an apology from TVK and asked the state government to take strict action against those responsible. The party also questioned TVK's motive, calling it a "petty political move" that undermines the welfare of the people.
TVK denies allegations
TVK leaders have denied the allegations, calling them baseless. Party spokesperson A Gopalakrishnan said, "The DMK is trying to divert attention from its failures. We have not removed any name. The plaque may have been damaged due to weather or other reasons. The DMK should focus on delivering water instead of playing politics."
However, DMK workers produced photographs showing the plaque with Stalin's name intact earlier and now missing. The issue has sparked a heated debate in the state, with both parties trading charges.
Project details and significance
The desalination plant, located in Nemmeli, is one of the largest in the country. It has a capacity to treat 150 million litres of seawater per day and is expected to benefit residents in areas like Sholinganallur, Perungudi, and Thoraipakkam. The project was part of the DMK government's efforts to address the acute water shortage in Chennai, especially during summer months.
According to the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board, the plant is expected to be fully operational by mid-2026. The project was funded jointly by the state government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Political fallout
The controversy comes ahead of the local body elections in Tamil Nadu, where both DMK and TVK are expected to be key contenders. Political analysts say the incident could galvanize DMK supporters but also alienate neutral voters. The DMK has called for a protest on Monday, while TVK has threatened to file a defamation case against the DMK leaders.
The state government has ordered an inquiry into the matter. A senior official said, "We have received complaints and are verifying the facts. If anyone is found guilty of damaging public property or defacing government plaques, strict action will be taken."
