‘I Have Audio Evidence’: Annamalai Alleges Kickback Demands in Tamil Nadu Tenders

Former BJP leader K Annamalai has alleged that some Tamil Nadu ministers have begun demanding kickbacks from contractors involved in government tenders, claiming that he possesses audio recordings to substantiate the allegations.

Speaking at an environmental awareness gathering organised by his newly launched grassroots leadership movement, We The Leaders, in Chennai on Sunday, Annamalai said Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay was opposed to corruption but claimed some members of his Cabinet had started seeking a percentage from contractors.

“It is true that the CM is against corruption, and we see that,” Annamalai said, while alleging that some ministers were now demanding 2%, 3% and 4% commissions in government contracts.

Claiming to have audio evidence of the alleged demands, Annamalai said some ministers had purportedly justified the practice by referring to money spent during elections. He urged the Chief Minister to take immediate steps to rein in ministers and senior officials before the allegations developed into a wider issue.

Annamalai also referred to Vijay’s Independence Day address, in which the Chief Minister had spoken about eliminating corruption, and called for regular review meetings involving ministers and officials to strengthen administrative oversight.

At the same time, Annamalai said We The Leaders was not seeking to destabilise the newly elected government. He said the organisation would give the administration time to perform, noting that 154 of the 234 MLAs elected in the 2026 Assembly polls were first-time legislators.

“We say everywhere: Give them one year. Let them do their work. If they do not perform properly, we will be the first to point it out,” he said.

Annamalai also reiterated his opposition to Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu reservoir project on the Cauvery and urged the Centre to take stronger measures to prevent recurring NEET question-paper leaks.

He further called on the Tamil Nadu government to utilise budgetary savings for rural water rejuvenation, government school infrastructure and development.