Politics
‘Waiting for Astrologer to Fix the Date?’ Udhayanidhi Stalin Challenges Vijay to Reveal DMK ‘Corruption Files’
Udhayanidhi Stalin challenged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay to immediately release the alleged corruption files against the previous DMK government, taking a sharp dig at the CM over his promise to disclose them at an “appropriate time”.
NEW DELHI: A heated political confrontation erupted in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Friday after Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin challenged Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay to make public the alleged corruption files linked to the previous DMK government.
Responding to Vijay’s earlier claim that his government possessed documents detailing alleged irregularities under the previous administration, Udhayanidhi questioned why the files had not yet been released if the government had concrete evidence.
The exchange quickly turned sharp, with Udhayanidhi accusing the Chief Minister of relying on dramatic statements instead of taking action.
‘Don’t Deliver Punch Dialogues Like in Cinema’
During the Assembly debate, Udhayanidhi Stalin took a direct swipe at Vijay’s film background while questioning his government’s corruption allegations.
“Don’t deliver punch dialogues like in cinema in the assembly,” Udhayanidhi told the Chief Minister.
He then challenged Vijay to immediately disclose the documents and initiate proceedings if the allegations were backed by credible evidence.
“I urge him to open the files immediately and take action if there’s solid evidence of corruption. Why is the Chief Minister hesitant to release the files? Is he waiting for his astrologer to fix the date?” Udhayanidhi said.
His remarks triggered a strong reaction inside the House and intensified the political face-off between the DMK and TVK.
Vijay Had Warned About ‘Corruption Files’
The controversy stems from Vijay’s earlier statement that his government possessed files containing details of alleged corruption involving three government departments during the previous DMK administration.
The Chief Minister had warned former DMK ministers and legislators against forcing him to “open” the files, saying the findings would be made public at an “appropriate time”.
That phrase has now become the centre of Udhayanidhi’s attack.
By demanding immediate disclosure, the Opposition leader sought to turn the allegations back on the government — essentially arguing that if evidence exists, there should be no reason to delay action.
Vijay Doesn’t Respond Directly, Minister Steps In
Vijay did not directly respond to Udhayanidhi’s remarks during the exchange in the House.
Instead, the state’s School Education Minister intervened and defended the government, maintaining that the Chief Minister remained committed to transparency.
The minister reiterated that the alleged graft-related files would be released at an “appropriate time”.
The response, however, failed to calm the situation.
The verbal clash led to heated arguments between TVK and DMK MLAs, with members raising slogans and briefly disrupting Assembly proceedings before normal business resumed.
Corruption and Tamil Nadu’s Debt Become Major Flashpoints
The latest confrontation comes amid an increasingly intense battle between the ruling TVK and opposition DMK over corruption allegations, government finances and welfare programmes.
Earlier, on August 7, the Tamil Nadu Assembly witnessed another heated exchange during discussions on the State Budget.
The debate involved former minister and DMK MLA Raghupathi and members of the TVK government, with the state’s financial position becoming a major point of contention.
Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Wilson targeted the previous administration over the state’s debt burden and argued that former Chief Minister MK Stalin also carried responsibility for it.
According to Wilson, the debt translated to approximately Rs 1.28 lakh per citizen.
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DMK Defends Borrowing Under Previous Government
Former DMK minister Nehru, however, defended the previous government’s financial decisions.
He argued that borrowing had been undertaken for development and pointed out that governments cannot borrow without following the required institutional framework involving the Reserve Bank of India.
Nehru also urged the government to focus on the development schemes implemented with borrowed funds rather than discussing debt figures in isolation.
The disagreement highlights how fiscal management and corruption allegations are rapidly emerging as key political battlegrounds between the two sides.
Assembly Passes Resolution on Tax Devolution
Amid the political confrontation, the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly also passed a resolution urging the Central government to ensure equitable and fair devolution of taxes to states.
The resolution invoked the principle of fiscal federalism, another issue that has remained prominent in Tamil Nadu’s political discourse.
However, it is Vijay’s promised corruption files that are now likely to attract the most attention.
With Udhayanidhi publicly challenging the Chief Minister to disclose the evidence immediately, pressure could grow on the government to reveal exactly what the files contain.
For now, Vijay’s promise of releasing them at an “appropriate time” remains intact — but after Udhayanidhi’s “astrologer” jibe, the question of when that appropriate time will arrive has become a political controversy of its own.
