Chief Minister orders fresh probe into new secretariat construction

Speaking at a public meet in Salem, the Chief Minister said that the one-man commission constituted by former CM J Jayalalithaa to probe the irregularities was stayed by the High Court on a plea by the DMK.

“However the court has directed to initiate criminal proceedings if there is sufficient evidence of wrongdoing. DMK was involved in scientific corruption by awarding a tender to an individual for Rs 465 crore. We will dig out those corruptions and bring it out in another 10 days,” the Chief Minister said. 

With the Opposition alleging that action was not taken against BJP leader H Raja because of the AIADMK’s proximity to BJP, senior minister D Jayakumar said the cordiality was only between the State and central governments. “That is an illusion being spread in social media,” he said.

There was no party-to-party ties with the BJP, he told the media when asked why the government had so far not acted against the BJP leader, though it was quick to arrest AIADMK MLA S Karunaas for his alleged provocative remarks.

The minister said H Raja was facing ‘strong cases’ and “has to certainly answer them”, hinting that police could take action against the BJP leader.

H Raja is facing cases in Chennai, Pudukottai and Coimbatore on various issues, including his alleged derogatory remarks against courts and police during a Vinayaka Chaturthi procession on September 16. The Madras High Court has initiated contempt proceedings against him over the remarks.

Jayakumar said the government had to act against Karunaas in the interest of law and order.

Even as the furore over the remarks of H Raja against the court has yet to settle down, the BJP national secretary met Governor Banwarilal Purohit on Tuesday evening. The sudden meet, which lasted for more than half-an-hour, triggered massive speculation in political circles. However, Raj Bhavan sources said it was a courtesy call. The BJP leader did not meet the media.