Kamaraj, Raju refute corruption charges against state govt

CHENNAI: At the time when the opposition parties have levelled corruption charges against the state government, Ministers R Kamaraj and Sellur K Raju, on Sunday, refuted charges of corruption and placed similar charges on DMK.

“Even getting Rs 1 illegally from a farmer amounts to shame and the officials were instructed clearly not to indulge in any such activities. Even, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami had issued stringent orders to officials to not involve in stringent practices and if any officials are found to have involved in corrupt practices immediate action would be taken on them,” said Food Minister Kamaraj, while addressing the media, in Thanjavur.

Recently, there were allegations that crores of rupees were swindled under Prime Minister’s Crop Insurance Scheme (Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana) across the state and even farmers staged a protest.

Similarly, DMK and other opposition parties alleged that the state government in the name of COVID-19 had swindled a large amount of money. State Minister for Cooperation Sellur Raju refuted the allegations and said that DMK is the party known for scientific corruption.

“Sarkaria Commission had established the fact that DMK is the party that was involved in scientific corruption in pesticide case. DMK speaking about corruption is like the pot calling the kettle black,” said Raju.

He also said that MP Gautham Sigamani is the first person in DMK to have been nabbed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and there are many rich persons like MP Jagath Ratchagan who has a case pending under FERA.

“2G case in which Rs 1.76 lakh crore were swindled is once again taken up by the investigation agencies and DMK leaders involved in the case will soon be sent behind the bars. There is no better shame than CBI investigating late Rajathi Ammal, wife of late DMK President M Karuananidhi in Arivalayam for corruption charges in Kalaignar TV,” said Raju.

When asked whether Khusbhu joining BJP will strengthen AIADMK, Sellur Raju replied that AIADMK’s influence does not depend on its alliance partners rather the party believes its strength.

“AIADMK believes in people’s power which is the base of the party right from the time of the foundation of the party. We need not believe in the strength of others,” said Raju.