In a sharp political offensive, former AIADMK minister Sellur K Raju has launched a blistering critique against the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government in Tamil Nadu. He accused the administration of embedding corruption into the system and deliberately obstructing the development of the historic city of Madurai.
Protest Over Civic Failures and Alleged Scam
The accusations were made during a demonstration organized by the AIADMK near Palanganatham in Madurai district on Wednesday. The protest was held to condemn the DMK government and the Madurai corporation over a series of issues plaguing the city. The primary grievances highlighted included an alleged property tax scam, the dismal condition of roads, and the consistent failure to ensure proper drinking water supply to residents.
Addressing the gathering, Sellur K Raju did not mince words. He claimed that the DMK had deviated from the core principles established by its founder, C N Annadurai. "The party abandoned the ideals of 'Duty, Dignity, and Discipline' after Kalaignar (M Karunanidhi) took over as president," Raju stated. He alleged that this foundational slogan was replaced with a culture of "collection, commission, and corruption."
Allegations of Systemic Graft and Broken Promises
Raju further alleged that corruption has become deeply systemic within the local administration. Drawing a stark comparison, he said, "If you enter the Madurai corporation office, it feels like entering Puzhal jail. They ask for money for everything." This, he argued, has directly impacted the city's progress.
The former minister then listed several key infrastructure promises that he claimed the DMK government has failed to deliver. He pointed to the long-pending upgrade of the Madurai airport. "Minister PTR (Palaniappan Thiaga Rajan) promised that within two years of the DMK coming to power, land would be acquired and Madurai airport would be upgraded to international standards. It hasn't happened," Raju noted. He contrasted this with the Trichy airport, which, according to him, achieved international status despite being a later project.
Raju also alleged a deliberate conspiracy to deny Madurai a metro rail project. "The DMK government is intentionally acting to ensure the metro project does not come to Madurai," he charged. He criticized the state government's approach, suggesting that instead of blaming the central government, it should provide necessary answers to queries raised about the project.
Adding to the list of unimplemented initiatives, Raju mentioned that the announced Tidel Park project for Madurai also remains on paper.
Political Repercussions and a Warning
Issuing a strong political threat, Sellur K Raju declared that once the AIADMK returns to power in the 2026 state elections, everyone involved in these corruption allegations would be arrested and held accountable.
Echoing the discontent, Thiruparankundram MLA V V Rajan Chellappa issued a separate warning regarding the functioning of the local council. He pointed out that council meetings have not been conducted for the past three months. Chellappa warned that according to municipal regulations, council members risk losing their posts if this paralysis in civic governance continues.
The event marks a significant escalation in the AIADMK's campaign against the DMK in southern Tamil Nadu, focusing on governance failures and corruption charges in a major urban centre.
