OPS seeks cancellation of bid given to blacklisted companies

CHENNAI: The former chief minister and ousted AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam on Sunday charged the DMK government for once again permitting the same 'erring' companies to supply palm oil and dhal for ration shops.

Pointing out that the companies, which were selected for procuring palm oil and dhal varieties, had supplied poor quality provisions that were there in the Pongal gift hamper, Panneerselvam claimed that common people and politicians have condemned the state government in this regard.

"Based on this, a review meeting was conducted on January 21, 2022, and decided to black list the companies, which supplied poor quality of provisions", he said, "the chief minister also promised that he would take against those organizations". Panneerselvam said however, it was regret to not that there was no information till now on whether those erring companies were blacklisted or not.

"At this juncture, civil supplies corporation once again given the order for the three companies, which were fined, for the supply of about four crore liter of palm oil and one lakh tonne dhal", he said adding "from this move, it is very clear that DMK government is encouraging the companies, which supplied bad quality products to the people".

Stating that the food department minister had issued a statement that officials, who were responsible for the poor quality products, were suspended, the deputy opposition leader of the House said, "it was just an eyewash drama".

"If the government has real care for the people, why it was not blacklisted the companies, that provided bad products, as per the instruction of the chief minister", he questioned.

Pointing out the food minister's other comment that there is no rule to stop the companies, which were fined, to participate in the tender process, Panneerselvam said "this looks like suspending the government officials and placing them in higher ranks".

"Justifying the move to give orders to the companies instead of blacklisting it can't be seen anywhere in the world", he said. Seeking an explanation for the tender issue, Panneerselvam urged the chief minister to immediately cancel the bid that was given to the companies, which were penalised, and blacklist them.