Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay launched an attack against the opposition DMK in the State Legislative Assembly during a debate on police department demands. In a 40-minute address, Vijay invoked the 1976 Sarkaria Commission report regarding the Veeranam drinking water project to accuse the DMK of past corruption, alleging kickbacks and structured payments. He also cited ED dossiers on municipal water and liquor contracts, alleging contractors were coerced into paying commissions for party funds, and named DMK President M.K. Stalin and Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin as key figures associated with these collections.
The remarks sparked turbulent scenes as DMK legislators displayed protest placards, stormed the well of the House, staged a sit-in, and walked out after the Speaker denied them an immediate right of reply.
Speaking outside the Assembly, Udhayanidhi Stalin dismissed Vijay’s address as a memorised cinema script and accused him of using diversionary tactics to avoid answering questions on law and order. Udhayanidhi defended the DMK’s history, argued the public had vindicated the party after the Sarkaria Commission era, and alleged that individuals close to the Chief Minister were trying to monopolise state mining operations.