Edappadi Palaniswami criticises DMK government for not filing FIR on cash-for-jobs complaint

The AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, on Tuesday (March 17, 2026), charged the DMK government with not complying with the direction of the Madras High Court to the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption to register a case regarding the allegation of cash-for-jobs in the Municipal Administration and Water Supply (MAWS) department, being headed by K.N. Nehru.

Addressing the gathering in Chennai as part of the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) State-wide demonstrations to highlight the “failure” of the DMK government, Mr. Palaniswami referred to the Directorate of Enforcement (ED)’s communication, which was sent thrice to Tamil Nadu government to file First Information Report (FIR) based on materials shared. As no follow up had been done, the AIADMK had approached the High Court with a prayer for filing the FIR. 

Adverting to the alleged scam in the sale of liquor through the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC), the AIADMK chief claimed that a sum of ₹ 24,500 crore had been “excessively” collected in the last four years.  The DMK government had not paid attention to reducing the problem of inflation, from which people were “struggling” to come out.  He also criticised the present government’s practice of letting officials to respond to the issue of “deterioration” in law and order. 

Contending the ruling party had not even fulfilled one fourth of its electoral promises given in 2021, Mr. Palaniswami accused Chief Minister M.K. Stalin for having claimed that 98% of the promises had been translated into action. He expressed hope that shortly, there would be a government that would ensure security to the women. 

Forrmer Ministers D. Jayakumar and Gokula Indira, former legislator G. Senthamizhan of the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) and vice-president of the State unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Karu Nagarajan participated in the demonstration.