Chennai, 05 February (H.S.) : The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, DMK, is facing sharp criticism and allegations of washing machine politics after the induction of former AIADMK minister and Orathanadu MLA R Vaithilingam into the party. This move has sparked controversy as R Vaithilingam, along with his sons, is currently named in a chargesheet filed by the Directorate of Enforcement, ED, involving an alleged bribe of 27.9 crore rupees.

Activists and political observers have raised concerns that the joining of the former minister could lead to a compromise in the ongoing investigations conducted by the state's Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption, DVAC. The ED case is based on a predicate offence filed by the DVAC regarding a real estate project approval from 2016.

Anti-corruption activists, including Jayaram Venkatesan, have alleged a quid pro quo arrangement, suggesting that the DMK might drop the state-level cases to effectively collapse the money laundering investigation. R Vaithilingam was a prominent figure in the AIADMK and a key ally of former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam.

His shift to the DMK is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the party's influence in the Thanjavur and Thiruvarur districts, particularly among the electorally significant Mukkulathor community. While the DMK has hit out at the BJP in the past for similar practices, the party spokesperson declined to comment on the specific legal proceedings against the newly inducted leader.

The ED's 2025 chargesheet alleges that the bribe money was funneled through shell companies to purchase vast land parcels. The development comes as the state gears up for crucial elections later this year.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary