The claims were made in a post by an X user, YeThikKarkeDikhao, which cited figures from the MPLADS dashboard to allege low expenditure and zero completed works during Maran's tenure in the 17th and 18th Lok Sabha. The post pointed to ‘payment success’ entries on the portal while asserting that there was no publicly visible evidence of completed works, raising questions about project execution.

In response, DMK MP wrote on X: "Fake narratives don’t become facts by repetition. The BJP and its fake news ecosystem need to understand this. I am formally writing to the Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, flagging errors and misleading presentations on the MPLADS portal that leads to such fake news."

In the letter, he said the portal frequently displays incorrect, incomplete, or outdated information on projects recommended by MPs and the corresponding financial details. He also noted that such discrepancies mislead the public and are increasingly used to circulate false narratives, particularly during election periods. He maintained that details of MPLADS works in Chennai Central are available with the district administration and that updates on projects are regularly shared through his social media platforms.