The AIADMK government in Tamil Nadu has found itself in another controversy, this time in connection with awarding contracts to people who are close to a minister. The newest in the line of ministers accused of irregularities in awarding government contracts is SP Velumani, who is the Minister for Municipal Administration, Rural Development and implementation of special programmes.
An investigation by news channel Times Now said that the minister awarded government contracts relating to various municipalities and corporations to the companies owned by his brother and close aides. Reports say that he allegedly allowed these companies to bid for the same tender, thereby flouting tender rules. The amount involved in this scam runs to hundreds of crores.
There are six companies that are now in the limelight as receiving undue advantage due to their proximity to the minister.
The above mentioned companies, together, have been in possession of multiple contracts under the portfolio held by SP Velumani. The presence of the same people in the managing capacities in all the above companies have raised suspicions on the minister for undue favouritism.
SP Velumani was elected to the 2016 Assembly from Thondamuthur constituency in Coimbatore. As the minister for Rural administration, he is also in charge for Corporations, Panchayats and Panchayat Unions, Poverty Alleviation Programmes, Rural Indebtedness and Urban and Rural Water Supply (TWAD) in the state.