Periyar Arivulagam guesses: political leaders express concern over allegations, call for action

After writer Perumal Murugan wrote about alleged irregularities in the purchase of books for Periyar Arivulagam, a newly opened public library in Coimbatore, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) founder and Rajya Sabha member Kamal Haasan on Friday said “there can be no greater shame for the Tamil language than this”.

He pointed out that books containing fictional information can cause immense damage in the long run. He said in a statement that the reputation of the Tamil language would be irreparably damaged if people read, took notes and incorporated the contents (of fictional books) into speeches, writings and research.

“Whoever is responsible for this has betrayed the Tamil language. I urge the Tamil Nadu government to immediately withdraw these fake books from all libraries and throw them on the street and burn them. The publishing houses responsible must be sealed. We owe the writer Mr. Murugan a debt of gratitude for exposing this fraud,” Mr. Haasan said.

‘Shock and Concern’

Manithaneya Makkal Katchi president and MLA MH Jawahirullah said the allegations leveled by Mr Murugan had caused considerable shock and concern.

President Manithaneya Makkal Katchi MH Jawahirullah. | Photo credit: B. Velankanni Raj

He said, “It has come to light that 1,800 books published under the name of a publishing house called Akalvilakku Publications have been procured and placed on the fourth floor of the library. This publishing house, unknown to serious readers, has raised suspicions that it may have been set up specifically to supply books to the library. Further, Mr. Murugan claimed that the books whose authors’ names are either with the help of artificial intelligence were created with the help of artificial intelligence; pseudonyms or fictitious, that the International Standard Book Numbers (ISBNs) listed on the books cannot be found when checked online and that the publisher’s address also appears to be unreliable,” he said.

Mr. Jawahirullah said, “An independent committee must be set up to verify all the books purchased so far for Periyar Arivulagam, including their publishers, authors, ISBNs and price details, and a thorough investigation must be made into the registration, addresses, owners and activities of suspect publishers, including Agal Vilakku Publications.”

“DMK Govt. steeped in corruption”

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president and Virudhunagar MP B. Manickam Tagore said, “Everybody knows that the DMK government was riddled with massive corruption. No plan was devoid of corruption. If there was this level of corruption in the purchase of books, it is scary to think how much corruption there would be in the construction of a building. The Tamil Nadu government should order an enquiry.”

TNCC President B. Manickam Tagore. | Photo credit: B. JOTHI RAMALINGAM

He added that all the books kept in Periyar Arivulagam should be checked and the manufactured books should be removed.

“Investigate Allegations”

PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss has urged the state government to investigate allegations of corruption that surfaced in the purchase of books for a public library set up by the DMK government.

PMK President Anbumani Ramadoss. | Photo credit: S. SIVA SARAVANAN

In a statement, he said: “Corruption in matters relating to education and libraries, especially in the purchase of books meant to promote knowledge, is absolutely unacceptable and cannot be tolerated.

He said Mr. Murugan claimed that 1,800 books were bought under the name of a virtually unknown publisher and also pointed out that while other publishers were selling copies of Naladiyar for ₹350, a 300-page book titled Naladiyar: Vazhvin Vazhikatti (Naladiyar: A Guide to Life) was bought for ₹1.45. “Education Minister Rajmohan supported these allegations,” he said.

Dr. Anbumani added, “I urge the government to order the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption to investigate the alleged corruption in the purchase of books for Periyar Arivulagam.”

We The Leaders Founder K. Annamalai. | Photo credit: S. SIVA SARAVANAN

We The Leaders founder K. Annamalai on Friday called for an inquiry into allegations of irregularities in the purchase of books for Periyar Arivulagam.

He asked what the list of recommended books was for this library and if they had been purchased. “The library is not just a building. It is a treasure for students from economically weaker sections who are preparing for auditions,” he said.

AMMK founder TTV Dhinakaran. | Photo credit: R. ASHOK

In a post on social media, AMMK founder TTV Dhinakaran urged the TVK-led government to conduct an audit of libraries across the state and remove “fake books”, if any. Referring to the allegations surrounding Periyar Arivulagam, he asked how these books were obtained and who authorized it.

Published – 07 Nov 2026 0:53 IST