CHENNAI: State BJP president K Annamalai on Tuesday stood by his corruption allegation on State Handlooms and Textiles Minister R Gandhi, accusing him of swindling in the free dhoti and saree scheme.

Annamalai demanded Gandhi’s immediate resignation, citing the minister’s failure to provide a satisfactory response to the allegations.

Annamalai’s fresh salvo comes after Minister Gandhi’s rebuttal statement to his earlier allegations.

“For the second consecutive year, the State BJP has been exposing corruption in the Pongal free dhoti and saree scheme. Last year, when we raised allegations, minister Gandhi chose to remain silent, but this year, after being caught red-handed, he has resorted to fabricating a story to cover his tracks,” Annamalai said in a statement.

He pointed out that around 2 million dhotis, woven from yarn procured from government institutions and subjected to quality testing, were rejected for containing more than 65% polyester.

Annamalai questioned whether the mistake was in sending the wrong yarn or in weaving the dhoti. “This is a clear case of corruption and mismanagement,” he alleged and said the minister must explain how such a large quantity of substandard dhotis was produced and distributed.

The people of Tamil Nadu deserve to know the truth, he added.

Annamalai also criticised the ruling DMK government for transferring IAS officer A Shanmuga Sundaram, who had taken action against substandard dhotis, within six months of taking office.