Political Firestorm Erupts: AIADMK Accuses DMK of Shielding Madurai Mayor in Land Scam

A political firestorm has erupted in Tamil Nadu as AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami launched a scathing attack on the ruling DMK government, accusing it of a blatant attempt to shield Madurai Mayor Indrani Ponvasanth from a serious property tax scam. The former Chief Minister’s strong remarks have ignited a fierce debate over transparency and accountability within the state’s political landscape.

Addressing the press with palpable frustration, Palaniswami detailed a complex web of alleged fraud surrounding a property located on South Masi Street in Madurai. According to his allegations, the property was originally acquired by the Mayor’s husband, Ponvasanth, using what Palaniswami vehemently described as “forged documents” and a fraudulent 'Power of Attorney'. This acquisition, he contended, was the first step in a larger scheme that has now come under intense public scrutiny.

The core of the controversy lies in the property’s inexplicable property tax status. Palaniswami highlighted a past incident where the DMK, then in opposition, had themselves criticized the AIADMK regime for granting a property tax exemption to this very land for a period. Yet, ironically, after the DMK swept into power and Indrani Ponvasanth assumed the prestigious role of Madurai Mayor, the property allegedly continued to enjoy either a complete tax exemption or significantly reduced assessments, raising serious questions about political double standards and potential malfeasance.

“It’s a clear case of the pot calling the kettle black, only to then embrace the same perceived wrongdoing once in power,” Palaniswami asserted, his voice dripping with accusation. “The DMK government, which vowed to uphold integrity, is now actively working to save its own Mayor from a scandal that is plain for all to see. This is not just an administrative oversight; it smacks of a calculated cover-up.”

The AIADMK leader further demanded an immediate and thorough investigation into the matter, stressing that the probe must be conducted by an independent agency to ensure impartiality and deliver justice. He lambasted the DMK government for its perceived inaction, suggesting that the delay in addressing the allegations indicates a deliberate attempt to protect powerful individuals at the expense of public trust and legal propriety. This escalating political drama underscores the deep-seated rivalry between Tamil Nadu's two dominant parties, with accusations of corruption once again taking center stage in the state's political narrative.