Is the DMK Government Corrupting PMAY and Jal Jeevan Mission?

Synopsis
The Tamil Nadu BJP has accused the DMK government of serious corruption in the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and the Jal Jeevan Mission. This unfolding controversy raises significant questions about governance and accountability in the state. Explore the implications of these allegations and what they mean for future electoral battles.
Key Takeaways
- Corruption Allegations: Serious claims against the DMK regarding PMAY and Jal Jeevan Mission.
- Bribery Issues: Reports of bribes being solicited for water connections.
- Public Trust: Call for restoration of public confidence in governance.
- Alliance Dynamics: BJP's renewed partnership with AIADMK post-elections.
- Future Elections: Increased opposition efforts for upcoming 2026 Assembly elections.
Chennai, May 4 (NationPress) The Tamil Nadu BJP on Sunday launched a fierce critique of the DMK government, alleging widespread corruption and misuse of authority in the execution of crucial central welfare initiatives—namely, the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and the Jal Jeevan Mission.
In a statement, BJP Tamil Nadu state secretary A. Ashvathaman asserted that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration is diligently striving to ensure housing for all and provide clean drinking water through these flagship schemes, the DMK government is sabotaging these initiatives through extensive irregularities and malpractices.
"Under PMAY, more than 2.69 crore houses have been constructed across the country, benefiting millions of economically disadvantaged families. However, in Tamil Nadu, the scheme is plagued with corruption, with fund allocations being distorted through bribery and political favoritism," Ashvathaman alleged.
The BJP leader further accused that bribes ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 are being solicited even for fundamental water connections under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
He highlighted a specific case in the Thiruvelliyangudi Panchayat of Thanjavur district, pointing to a scam involving the panchayat president, who is reportedly affiliated with the DMK. Despite a directive from the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court to initiate a criminal case, Ashvathaman claimed no action has been undertaken thus far.
"Rather than tackling the corruption, residents seeking justice are being threatened and falsely charged with police cases," he alleged.
Ashvathaman condemned these tactics as anti-democratic and authoritarian, urging the DMK government to cease its harassment of whistleblowers, uphold the rule of law, and take prompt corrective measures to regain public confidence in governance.
The BJP's allegations emerge at a moment when the party has rekindled its alliance with the AIADMK after previously contesting the 2024 Lok Sabha elections independently.
In the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the BJP-AIADMK coalition secured four seats, but in the recent Lok Sabha elections, the DMK-led INDIA bloc dominated all the seats. With the alliance reinstated, the BJP is intensifying its opposition campaign against the ruling DMK in preparation for the 2026 Assembly elections.