1 week ago
Vijay Hints Corruption Files May Surface Ahead of Seven Bypolls
Tamil Nadu has seven empty Assembly seats that may soon have new elections.
These elections are called byelections.
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay said his government has files and proof about alleged corruption by the previous government.
He said the files would be shown at the right time.
The opposition had asked ministers to provide documentary evidence for their allegations.
The ruling TVK party has 107 seats, but 118 are needed for a majority in the 234-seat Assembly.
TVK governs with help from Congress and other smaller parties.
Winning all seven seats would make the government stronger, but it would still not have a majority by itself.
Some smaller allies could reconsider their support if disagreements develop over public issues.
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay said alleged corruption files involving the previous government could be released at an appropriate time.
Byelections are expected in seven vacant Tamil Nadu Assembly constituencies after a court stay expires on August 24.
The vacant seats are Tiruchi East, Perundurai, Madurantakam, Dharapuram, Ambasamudram, Karur and Viralimalai.
The ruling TVK won 107 of 234 Assembly seats and relies on support from Congress and smaller allies to govern.
Winning all seven bypolls would raise TVK’s strength to 114, still four seats short of a majority.
- Who
- Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, the ruling TVK, the Opposition and the government’s coalition allies.
- What
- The government is preparing for byelections in seven vacant Assembly constituencies, while Vijay has hinted that alleged corruption files about the previous government may be disclosed.
- Where
- Tamil Nadu, in the constituencies of Tiruchi East, Perundurai, Madurantakam, Dharapuram, Ambasamudram, Karur and Viralimalai.
- When
- Vijay made the remarks during the Assembly session on August 19; the court stay blocking byelections in five constituencies is expected to expire on August 24.
- Why
- The byelections could strengthen the government’s position, while the alleged disclosures may become part of the TVK’s campaign strategy.
Government and TVK Position
Opposition Position
Evidence of alleged corruption
Government and TVK Position
Vijay said the government possesses documentary evidence concerning several sectors and will open the files at an appropriate time.
Opposition Position
The Opposition demanded documentary evidence for allegations raised by government ministers.
Timing of disclosures
Government and TVK Position
Vijay hinted that the files could be disclosed during the campaign for the forthcoming byelections.
Opposition Position
The Opposition’s demand, as reported, was for evidence to be produced rather than for allegations to remain undisclosed.
Key facts
- Vacant constituencies
- Seven: Tiruchi East, Perundurai, Madurantakam, Dharapuram, Ambasamudram, Karur and Viralimalai.
- Assembly size
- The Tamil Nadu Assembly has 234 seats.
- TVK strength
- TVK won 107 seats, 11 short of the 118 needed for a majority.
- Potential post-bypoll strength
- Winning all seven seats would increase TVK’s strength to 114.
- Coalition support
- The government is supported by Congress, with five MLAs, and several smaller allies.
- Court stay
- The Madras High Court stay blocking byelections in five seats is expected to expire on August 24.
- Government claim
- Vijay said evidence relating to several sectors was available in files on his table.
Quotes
C. Joseph Vijay
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and leader of the ruling TVK
“I did not want to say this, but they are asking for evidence. Everything is on my table with proof,”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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