Palaniswami Exposes Alleged Rs 1,000 Crore Liquor Scandal in Tamil Nadu, Accuses DMK of Concealment
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Synopsis
AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami has accused the DMK government of involvement in a Rs 1,000 crore liquor scam linked to TASMAC, claiming that the government is attempting to cover up the findings. He also criticized the administration for frequent power outages affecting citizens.
Key Takeaways
- Palaniswami alleges Rs 1,000 crore liquor scam.
- Claims TASMAC outlets charged extra for bottles.
- Accuses DMK of attempting to conceal investigation findings.
- Criticizes government silence on serious allegations.
- Raises concern over frequent power outages statewide.
Chennai, April 22 (NationPress) The Leader of Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly and AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Tuesday brought forth grave allegations of corruption against the DMK government, claiming a scandal worth Rs 1,000 crore tied to TASMAC, the government-operated liquor retail network.
While speaking to the press after a walkout from the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Palaniswami asserted that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had discovered extensive irregularities during recent investigations at TASMAC offices and among its suppliers.
He accused the DMK administration of attempting to mask these findings and criticized Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and the relevant Minister for their silence on the matter.
"The government is trying to obscure the scandal instead of being transparent. There has been no reaction from the Chief Minister or the Prohibition and Excise Minister. Why remain silent if there is nothing to conceal?" Palaniswami questioned.
The AIADMK leader claimed that TASMAC outlets have been charging an additional Rs 10 for each liquor bottle, leading to an estimated illegal revenue of Rs 15 crore daily. "If this goes unchallenged, the annual total could reach Rs 5,400 crore," he mentioned, adding that both the state treasury and the public are being deceived in plain sight.
Palaniswami further stated that the DMK government is "intimidated" by the ED's inquiry and is obstructing a proper discussion on the matter in the Assembly. "We were not permitted to bring this issue up in the House. The Speaker denied my request to address the scandal," he noted.
Following this, AIADMK lawmakers, under the leadership of Palaniswami, staged a walkout in protest.
This walkout occurred during discussions regarding budget allocations for the electricity, prohibition, and excise departments. AIADMK MLA Natham R. Viswanathan spoke first, and Palaniswami attempted to raise the TASMAC issue immediately after, but was denied permission by Speaker M. Appavu.
Palaniswami also criticized the government for frequent power outages statewide. "Many regions are enduring unannounced power cuts, impacting both residential users and industrial sectors. The DMK government is failing to provide a consistent supply," he said.
He recalled that under the AIADMK administration, the state had guaranteed quality electricity supply, particularly for farmers and industries. "Now, the situation has worsened, and the public is suffering," he concluded.
