Udhayanidhi Stalin dares TN CM to 'open' corruption files

On August 21, 2026, Tamil Nadu's Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin questioned the delay in examining files related to corruption allegations against the previous DMK government. Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay had previously stated in the Assembly on August 19 that he possessed evidence of corruption and would reveal it when appropriate. Udhayanidhi pressed for immediate legal action if the government had such evidence, asserting that the DMK was not afraid of any repercussions.

In response, Minister for Public Works Aadhav Arjuna argued that the DMK had faced the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) in the past, implying that the current government had nothing to be concerned about. Arjuna also mentioned that White Papers were being prepared on the functioning of various departments and that legal action would be taken against any irregularities discovered.

He emphasized that Assembly proceedings were now being broadcast live, with the Speaker promptly removing remarks and allegations made without evidence. However, Arjuna noted that visual recordings of the expunged remarks were being taken from the live telecast, edited into clips, and circulated on YouTube and social media platforms.

Arjuna pointed out that the Assembly proceedings had only been broadcast live after the TVK came to power, which enabled citizens to be informed about the happenings in the Assembly and ensure transparency. He also questioned why the proceedings were not live after the DMK's 2021 victory, pointing out that the DMK had promised live telecast in its election manifesto.

Udhayanidhi alleged that Opposition members often received evasive answers from Ministers, stating that the live telecast of Question Hour only began during the DMK's regime.

Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar intervened, warning that broadcasting expunged remarks from the Assembly records constituted a breach of privilege. He stated that if such remarks were aired, the matter would be referred to the Privileges Committee, and appropriate action would be taken. Prabhakar called on Ministers and MLAs from both the ruling and Opposition parties to respect the dignity of the House and only discuss matters backed by evidence.