Palaniswami criticizes the TVK regime for claiming to be corruption-free

AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami campaigned in Madurantakam Assembly constituency on Saturday. | Photo credit: PTI

AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Saturday questioned the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led government’s claim of ensuring a corruption-free regime.

Addressing voters at Achirapakkam in Madurantakam constituency, where the by-poll is scheduled to be held on October 6, Mr. Palaniswami said that ₹ 70 per bag of paddy fish was being collected at direct purchase centres.

Referring to the searches conducted by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) in many government offices over the past five months, he claimed that the DVAC itself was on record as having seized unaccounted money to the tune of ₹1.7 crore. Given this situation, he asked whether the current exemption was a “clean regime”.

While GST gross collections rose nationally in September, Tamil Nadu saw a decline in collections. “How will the government fix the situation? The outstanding loans have already reached ₹10 lakh crore. As revenue collection decreases, the burden of loans will increase from which people will have to collect taxes,” he said.

Mr. Palaniswami asked the people whether “such an incompetent government” should remain in office.

Published – 3 Oct 2026 22:03 IST