CM picks holes in DMK-regime deals

“We are studying the projects in which contractors were paid heavily. The state will take a final decision after availing necessary legal consultations,” Palaniswami told reporters.

He also said that the state Law Minister CVe Shanmugham was on the job studying the issue in detail.  The allegation on highway tenders created a political debate in the state and subsequently DMK leader MK Stalin dared the ruling AIADMK to register a case against him. Stalin had said that he was ready to face the cases legally.

However, Palaniswami questioned Stalin’s silence over the Chennai bypass road highway projects taken up during the DMK regime where exorbitant charges were allegedly paid to the contractors. He accused the DMK president of trying to defame him.

After failing in his bids to topple the AIADMK government Stalin is now on a defamation spree. “Stalin tried all his tricks against the government, but nothing had worked. The DMK staged political drama during the last year’s no-confidence motion, but nothing seems to work for Stalin, who is desperate for the post of the chief minister,” Palaniswami charged.

“I gave specific information about the Chennai bypass and Vandalur – Nemilichery highway projects, where contractors were paid more than the original estimates. In a few cases, more than Rs 30 crore to relay one kilometre of road was spent. Stalin is yet to respond to the case laws,” he charged.

On the verge of frustration, the opposition leader is approaching various courts with misleading facts against the government. Reiterating that he had not awarded any contracts to his blood relatives, Palaniswami said that he would face the CBI probe legally.  He also declined to comment on the SC verdict allowing menstruating women into the Sabarimala Temple.