CHENNAI: In an explosive allegation, Finance Minister N Marie Wilson on Monday (August 24) said the then School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi forcibly collected bribe from educational institutions during the previous DMK regime and claimed that he himself had paid a bribe to the DMK leader.
Responding to the charge, Poyyamozhi said the minister’s claim of having paid a bribe warranted investigation by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption.
Participating in the debate on the demands for grants for the School Education and Higher Education departments on Monday, Marie Wilson said he was among those who had been affected by the alleged practice.
"During the previous DMK regime, money was forcibly collected at some places in the School Education Department. I was one of those affected. I am a witness myself," Wilson said.
He said he can provide details of when, where, and how much money was collected, including from minority educational institutions. Wilson also alleged that he himself had paid money to Poyyamozhi at T Nagar during the previous regime.
Facing a serious charge, Poyyamozhi denied the allegation and said a case had been filed against Wilson in December over alleged violations in the running of his school.
Speaking to reporters at Anna Arivalayam on Monday, Poyyamozhi alleged that the finance minister had suddenly stood up and spoken on an unrelated subject when the Higher Education Minister was replying to the debate on his department's demands.
"If he claims to have paid a bribe, the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption should investigate the matter and take action," Poyyamozhi said.
"The minister himself should take responsibility for his statements. The DVAC should commence an inquiry against Minister Marie Wilson. This is an attempt to divert attention from the corruption allegations against the TVK-led government," he added.