Tamil Nadu’s ruling DMK government is reeling from a Madras High Court bombshell: an order to register an FIR against Minister for Municipal Administration KN Nehru in a sprawling corruption racket. The February 22 ruling by Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava’s bench stems from ED allegations of deep-rooted graft in departmental operations.
At the heart of the controversy are claims of astronomical bribes for appointments—₹25-35 lakh per position across 2,538 posts—and tender manipulations totaling ₹630-1,020 crore. The ED’s October 2025 complaint to state police was backed by hard evidence from searches: WhatsApp exchanges revealing deal-making, forged documents, and bank records exposing money trails.
The High Court’s decision to greenlight the FIR via DVAC has supercharged political rhetoric. BJP’s Tamil Nadu spokesperson ANS Prasad seized the moment, demanding Nehru’s instant removal and a CBI takeover. ‘DMK’s corruption facade crumbles under judicial scrutiny,’ he proclaimed, linking it to broader systemic failures under CM Stalin.
With Assembly elections slated for 2026, this timing couldn’t be worse for DMK. The party has refrained from comment, but insiders hint at damage control measures. Experts emphasize that an FIR is merely the starting gun; conviction hinges on courtroom battles ahead.
This episode revives debates on political accountability in Tamil Nadu, where departmental appointments have long been mired in nepotism claims. As DVAC steps in, expect heightened scrutiny on the water supply and urban ministries. The opposition’s aggressive posturing signals a protracted slugfest, potentially swaying voter sentiment.
Ultimately, the case tests the judiciary’s role in combating corruption, offering a litmus test for whether Tamil Nadu can break free from cycles of alleged maladministration.