Archive · 27 Aug 2026
Arunraj Defends Finance Minister as BJP Seeks Cabinet Removal
Finance Minister N Marie Wilson said he had been forced to pay a bribe in the past.
Health Minister K G Arunraj defended him and said he was a victim, not a willing participant.
Arunraj said the payments had allegedly been made compulsory for private schools and colleges under the previous government.
He also called Wilson a whistleblower because Wilson spoke about the alleged corruption.
The BJP disagreed and said that giving a bribe can also be a crime.
BJP leader Nainar Nagenthran asked for legal action against Wilson.
He also asked that Wilson be removed from the Cabinet.
Former minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi requested an anti-corruption investigation.
Arunraj said the matter should be properly investigated.
Tamil Nadu Health Minister K G Arunraj called Finance Minister N Marie Wilson a victim of forced bribery and a whistleblower.
Arunraj said authorities under the previous regime allegedly made bribe payments compulsory for private schools and colleges.
BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran demanded legal action against Wilson and his removal from the Cabinet.
Wilson alleged in the Assembly that he was forced to pay a bribe to the School Education Department during the previous DMK government.
Former School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi sought a Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption probe into Wilson’s admission.
- Who
- Tamil Nadu Health Minister K G Arunraj, Finance Minister N Marie Wilson, BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran, and former School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi.
- What
- Arunraj defended Wilson after Wilson said he was forced to pay a bribe, while the BJP sought legal action and Wilson’s removal from the Cabinet.
- When
- Arunraj made his comments on Wednesday, August 26; Wilson made the allegation in the Assembly on Monday.
- Where
- Arunraj spoke in Chennai on the sidelines of the launch of Apollo Multi Speciality Hospital; Wilson made his allegation in the Assembly.
- Why
- Arunraj said Wilson was a victim of forced bribery, while the BJP argued that paying a bribe also warranted legal action.
Defense of Wilson
Calls for Action
Responsibility for the bribe
Defense of Wilson
Arunraj said Wilson was forced to pay and was a victim of systemic extortion rather than a willing participant.
Calls for Action
The BJP argued that giving a bribe is also a crime and sought legal action against Wilson.
Cabinet position
Defense of Wilson
Arunraj defended Wilson and said whistleblower protections should be considered after a proper enquiry.
Calls for Action
Nainar Nagenthran demanded Wilson’s removal from the Cabinet.
Investigation
Defense of Wilson
Arunraj said the alleged compulsory payments involving private educational institutions should be properly investigated.
Calls for Action
Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi specifically called for a Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption probe into Wilson’s admission.
- Main issue
- Whether Finance Minister N Marie Wilson should face legal action or Cabinet removal after saying he paid a bribe.
- Arunraj’s position
- Wilson was a victim of forced bribery and should be considered a whistleblower.
- BJP demand
- Nainar Nagenthran called for legal action against Wilson and his removal from the Cabinet.
- Alleged period
- Wilson said the payment occurred during the previous DMK government.
- Alleged department
- Wilson identified the School Education Department in his Assembly allegation.
- Investigation request
- Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi sought a Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption probe.
- Development policy
- Arunraj said the government opposed forced acquisition and development against people’s wishes, rather than progress itself.
