The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) has accused the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government of widespread corruption amounting to ₹4 lakh crore over the past 56 months, submitting a detailed memorandum to Governor RN Ravi demanding a time-bound, court-monitored investigation. Led by general secretary and opposition leader Edappadi Palaniswami, a delegation of senior AIADMK leaders met the governor to present a comprehensive dossier outlining allegations of financial mismanagement, systemic graft, and administrative incompetence. The party claims the DMK administration, under Chief Minister MK Stalin, has operated without transparency, functioning more like a private syndicate than a democratic government. AIADMK urged the formation of a special investigation commission headed by a retired Chief Justice of India to probe the charges and initiate strict legal action against implicated ministers and officials. The accusations come amid preparations for upcoming assembly elections, with AIADMK leaders recently meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss potential alliances.

In the memorandum, AIADMK detailed alleged corruption across 22 state departments, ranging from ₹64,000 crore in Municipal Administration and Drinking Water Supply to ₹250 crore in the Milk Development Department. Other notable figures include ₹60,000 crore each in Rural Development and Panchayat Raj and Highways and Minor Ports; ₹55,000 crore in the Electricity Department; and ₹50,000 crore in Prohibition and Excise. The party highlighted instances in sectors like Registration (₹20,000 crore), Water Resources (₹17,000 crore), Greater Chennai Corporation (₹10,000 crore), Industries (₹8,000 crore), School Education and Social Welfare (₹5,000 crore each), Agriculture (₹5,000 crore), Health (₹4,000 crore), Higher Education (₹1,500 crore), Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (₹1,000 crore), Adi Dravidar Welfare (₹1,000 crore), Environment and Forest (₹750 crore), Youth Welfare and Sports (₹500 crore), Prisons (₹500 crore), Tourism (₹250 crore), and Milk Development (₹250 crore). These claims paint a picture of pervasive graft allegedly pushing Tamil Nadu into severe financial distress.

AIADMK further alleged that the DMK government has borrowed nearly ₹1 lakh crore annually, ballooning the state's debt by over ₹4 lakh crore and demonstrating reckless fiscal policies. The opposition party argued that this mismanagement has led to a collapse in governance and law and order, deterring industrial investments and prompting businesses to relocate to neighboring states due to policy paralysis and rampant corruption. They referenced a controversial 2023 leaked audiotape purportedly featuring former Finance Minister Palanivel Thiagarajan discussing corruption within the DMK family, though Thiagarajan has denied the authenticity of the recording. The AIADMK positioned itself as a responsible opposition, emphasizing the need for accountability to restore public trust and economic stability in the state.

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Tamil Nadu has a history of intense political rivalry between the DMK and AIADMK, two dominant Dravidian parties that have alternated power for decades. The DMK, founded in 1949, rose to prominence under leaders like CN Annadurai and M Karunanidhi, advocating social justice and Tamil identity. The AIADMK, a breakaway faction established in 1972 by MG Ramachandran, has similarly championed welfare schemes and regional pride. Corruption allegations have been a recurring theme in their confrontations, often escalating during election periods. Recent political maneuvers, including AIADMK's outreach to national leaders like Amit Shah, suggest shifting alliances ahead of the polls, potentially impacting the Bharatiya Janata Party's strategy in the south.

The DMK government has not yet responded to the latest allegations, leaving the matter open to further scrutiny. Governor RN Ravi's office has acknowledged receipt of the memorandum but provided no immediate comment on potential actions. As Tamil Nadu gears up for elections, these charges could intensify public discourse on governance and transparency, influencing voter sentiment in a state known for its politically engaged populace. Analysts note that such high-stakes accusations, if substantiated, could have far-reaching implications for the ruling party's credibility and the state's fiscal health.

This development underscores broader concerns about financial accountability in Indian states, where opposition parties frequently use corruption probes as tools for political leverage. While AIADMK's call for a judicial inquiry aims to hold the government accountable, the outcome will depend on the governor's response and any subsequent legal proceedings. For now, the allegations add fuel to the already charged political atmosphere in Tamil Nadu, as both parties vie for dominance in the upcoming electoral battle.

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