'Won't Be Intimidated': Zoho Founder Sridhar Vembu Alleges Verbal Threats After Targeting DMK Over Corruption

Last Updated:June 26, 2026, 10:55 IST

Praising the TVK-led administration for granting approvals swiftly, he contrasted the experience with what he described as difficulties faced under the previous dispensation.

A political row has erupted in Tamil Nadu after Zoho founder and chief scientist Sridhar Vembu reiterated allegations of widespread corruption during the DMK government’s tenure and claimed that supporters of the ruling party had issued verbal threats against him.

In a post on X on Thursday, Vembu said criticism from what he described as the “DMK ecosystem" had prompted him to explain the basis of his allegations. He asserted that he would not be cowed down by attacks and said he did not require a character certificate from his political detractors.

“I will not be intimidated by their attacks," Vembu wrote.

‘Let Me State The Facts’: Vembu

Responding to accusations that he fabricated a story to benefit the government led by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief C Joseph Vijay, Vembu said he was merely recounting his experiences.

“The DMK ecosystem is attacking me that the school issue I reported was a lie I concocted to help the TVK government. Let me state the facts," he wrote.

Vembu alleged that a school run by the Kalaivani Kalvi Maiyam Trust had to shut down because officials demanded money to issue a no-objection certificate (NOC). According to him, the school’s founder, a retired IPS officer, refused to pay.

“He told me that, as an honest retired officer, he did not have the money to pay, and the NOC would not be issued otherwise," Vembu said.

Approvals Came After Government Changed, Claims Vembu

Vembu further claimed that his trust encountered similar hurdles while seeking approvals for new school buildings in Tenkasi.

According to him, the project remained stalled during the DMK government’s tenure as approval from the Directorate of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) was not granted.

“We waited patiently for DTCP approval for the new school buildings, but it never came while the DMK was in power. The approval came automatically once the government changed," he wrote.

He said he chose to speak publicly about the matter because approvals were eventually granted without anyone asking for money.

“Not only did the approvals come, government officials told us not to pay anyone for any approvals. After what we had gone through earlier, I felt it was important to acknowledge this publicly," Vembu said.

Corruption Allegations Sparked Row Earlier This Week

The row began on June 24 when Vembu accused the DMK government of large-scare corruption, alleging that delays in securing approvals for his rural education initiative were linked to demands for bribes.

Praising the TVK-led administration for granting approvals swiftly, he contrasted the experience with what he described as difficulties faced under the previous dispensation.

“Our rural school Kalaivani Kalvi Maiyam, which provides completely free education to rural children, faced delays getting approvals from the previous government. Of course, significant money was demanded and we were told that was the only way, even if it is a completely free school," he wrote.

In another post, Vembu doubled down on his allegations, claiming corruption in Tamil Nadu had reached “nauseating, disgusting levels" under the DMK.

“It reached such Himalayan heights, their own Finance Minister, someone not corrupt who was caught up with the corrupt crowd, was complaining about it," Vembu wrote, referring to remarks made by a former finance minister that later became public.

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Anushka Vats

Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can ...Read More

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