Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Vijay Revives DMK Corruption Past in Assembly Clash
Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay gave a speech about corruption allegations connected to the DMK’s past governments.
He talked about events from the 1970s and also referred to newer Enforcement Directorate documents.
Vijay said these examples showed a larger political culture of corruption.
He also asked politicians to stop using insulting language, especially toward women.
Opposition leader Udhayanidhi Stalin said Vijay should focus on problems happening today.
Udhayanidhi said the accusations had not been proved and that investigations were still continuing.
The two sides also accused each other of political wrongdoing.
Their argument caused loud protests and disorder inside the Assembly.
Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay used his Assembly reply to revisit corruption allegations linked to past DMK governments.
He cited the Sarkaria Commission’s examination of the Veeranam project and Enforcement Directorate material involving contractor payments and alleged collections.
Vijay said corruption was embedded in the DMK’s political machinery, while stressing that some cited matters remained allegations or investigations.
Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin accused Vijay of avoiding current issues and relying on rehearsed, cinematic rhetoric for publicity.
The Assembly session was disrupted by slogans, protests and members surrounding the Speaker as both sides disputed the significance of the allegations.
- Who
- Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin, representing the government and DMK opposition benches.
- What
- They clashed over corruption allegations involving past DMK governments, the relevance of historical cases, and the government’s focus on present issues.
- When
- During Vijay’s Monday reply in the Tamil Nadu Assembly; the article does not provide a specific date.
- Where
- The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, with further comments outside the House.
- Why
- Vijay sought to portray corruption as part of the DMK’s political system, while Udhayanidhi sought to redirect attention toward current governance and unproven allegations.
Chief Minister’s Case
Opposition’s Response
Relevance of past corruption cases
Chief Minister’s Case
Vijay argued that historical commission findings and Enforcement Directorate documents showed corruption was embedded in the DMK’s political machinery.
Opposition’s Response
Udhayanidhi argued that voters elected Vijay to govern the present, not to revisit controversies from the 1970s.
Status of the allegations
Chief Minister’s Case
Vijay said the allegations came from existing commission records and agency documents rather than being invented by his government.
Opposition’s Response
Udhayanidhi said the cited matters were only allegations, had not been proved, and were still under investigation.
Political presentation
Chief Minister’s Case
Vijay presented the material as evidence of systematic wrongdoing and also criticized degrading political language.
Opposition’s Response
Udhayanidhi described the speech as rehearsed, cinematic and intended mainly for social-media reels, while promising to release evidence concerning allegations against people connected to TVK.
- Main speaker
- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay
- Opposition response
- Udhayanidhi Stalin said Vijay had gone back to 1970 instead of addressing current issues.
- Historical case cited
- The Sarkaria Commission’s examination of the Veeranam project during a 1970s DMK government.
- Alleged commission
- Vijay cited an alleged 2.5% commission and payments totaling Rs 29 lakh between 1970 and 1974.
- Recent allegations cited
- Vijay referred to Enforcement Directorate material alleging contractor payments of 7.5% to 10% under the description of party fund.
- Legal status
- Udhayanidhi said the Enforcement Directorate-related matters were allegations, had not been proved, and remained under investigation.
- Assembly disruption
- DMK legislators raised slogans, surrounded the Speaker and some sat on the floor.