Tamil Nadu polls: Annamalai slams DMK over governance, corruption

Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai on Saturday said that during his state-wide campaign, people have been raising key issues such as the need to curb drug abuse, improve the quality of government schools and strengthen road infrastructure, while claiming the verdict DMK failed to resolve these issues.Referring to what he called the “DMK file”, Annamalai said he had submitted a complaint to the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), adding that officials had visited the BJP office to investigate, ANI reported. He also accused a minister of a Rs 160-crore corruption scam and claimed he had submitted supporting evidence. According to Annamalai, a deputy superintendent of police from the DVAC visited the party office and made inquiries, but no action has been taken so far.He said he was confident that strict action, including investigation and accountability, would be taken once the government changes.On the leak of the film Jananayagan, Annamalai said the incident was regrettable and strongly condemned, adding that the film represents the hard work of many people. Demanding strict action against those responsible, he said he would support the CBI investigation if necessary, adding that he would watch the film as a fan after its release.Annamalai further claimed that DMK’s defeat in the 2026 assembly elections could trigger a political shift within the party, suggesting that Kanimozhi may form a separate outfit and Chief Minister MK Stalin may take a different political path.He also claimed that Senthil Balaji would act based on political opportunities, adding that the NDA’s victory would ensure that the DMK does not return to power. Annamalai further said that Senthil Balaji will face a historic defeat in the Coimbatore South constituency.Tamil Nadu will go to single-phase polls on April 23 in all 234 assembly constituencies. The election is expected to be contested between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, the AIADMK and the BJP-led NDA and actor Vijay’s TVK, marking his first election.Counting is scheduled for May 4.