Tamil Nadu polls: Annamalai slams DMK over governance, corruption

Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai on Saturday said people have been raising key concerns such as the need to curb drug abuse, improve the quality of government schools and enhance road infrastructure during his campaign across the state, while alleging that the ruling DMK has failed to address these issues.

Referring to what he called the “DMK Files,” Annamalai said he had submitted complaints to the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), adding that officials had visited the BJP office to conduct inquiries, as cited by ANI.




He also alleged a Rs 160 crore corruption scam involving a minister, claiming that he had submitted supporting evidence. According to Annamalai, a Deputy Superintendent of Police from the DVAC visited the party office and conducted an inquiry, but no action has been taken so far.

He said he was confident that strict action, including investigations and accountability, would follow once there is a change in government.

On the leak of the film Jananayagan, Annamalai termed the incident unfortunate and strongly condemned it, saying the movie represents the hard work of many people. He demanded strict action against those responsible and said he would support a CBI probe if necessary, adding that he would watch the film as a fan upon its release.

Annamalai further claimed that a defeat for the DMK in the 2026 Assembly elections could trigger political shifts within the party, suggesting that Kanimozhi might float a separate outfit while Chief Minister M.K. Stalin could take a different political path.

He also alleged that Senthil Balaji would act based on political opportunities, adding that an NDA victory would ensure the DMK does not return to power.

Annamalai further said that Senthil Balaji would face a historic defeat in the Coimbatore South constituency.

Tamil Nadu will vote in a single phase on April 23 across all 234 Assembly constituencies. The election is expected to see a contest between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, the NDA led by the AIADMK along with the Bharatiya Janata Party, and actor Vijay’s TVK, marking his electoral debut.

The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.