TN ministers demanding kickbacks on tenders, have audio proof, claims Annamalai
Former BJP leader K Annamalai on Sunday alleged that some Tamil Nadu ministers had begun demanding kickbacks in Government tenders, claiming to have audio recordings to substantiate the charge.
Addressing an environmental awareness gathering organised by the outfit in Chennai, Annamalai said that while Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay was opposed to corruption, some of his Cabinet colleagues had started demanding kickbacks from contractors.
“It is true that the CM is against corruption, and we see that. They did not take kickbacks in major tenders earlier, but some ministers have started demanding them now,” Annamalai alleged.
Claiming to have audio evidence of the alleged demands, he said, “Some ministers are saying they came after giving money for votes, so give two per cent, give three per cent, give four per cent.”
Urging the CM to rein in his Cabinet before the issue escalated, Annamalai said his organisation would formally raise the matter after the Government had completed its initial period in office. “You (Vijay) stated in your Independence Day address that corruption would be eradicated in our lifetime. Tighten the reins on ministers and officials with regular weekend review meetings, because if the reins are loosened, the administration will drift,” he added.
Annamalai, who recently launched We the Leaders, a grassroots leadership movement, said it was not seeking to destabilise the newly elected Government and would give it time to function.
“Out of 234 MLAs, 154 members have entered the Assembly for the first time following the 2026 elections. We say everywhere: Give them one year. Let them do their work. If they do not perform properly, we will be the first to point it out,” he said.
During his address, Annamalai reiterated his opposition to Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu reservoir project on the Cauvery River.
He urged the Centre to address recurring NEET question paper leaks and called on the state Government to use budgetary savings for rural water rejuvenation, Government school infrastructure and development.
