DMK Minister Under Scrutiny
In this sense, the prolonged 11-hour search of the private residence of DMK Minister Duraimurugan in Vellore has added fuel to the fire in Tamil Nadu regarding charges of corruption and governance in politics.
Earlier on Thursday night, the raid stretched into time and was probably part of the investigation into money laundering that was already underway for ongoing investigation. As per sources, such an investigation seemed to involve the malpractices in state infrastructure projects; however, officials are tightlipped about what they have found.
Duraimurugan, who is at the core of DMK, said the ED operation was politically motivated just before the elections. "This is nothing but an attempt to tarnish my reputation," he added and promised to cooperate with the investigation that would clear his name.
However, at that moment, the opposition BJP has availed of the situation to slam the DMK government for institutionalizing grafts. Analysts warn that it could not be without effects for the DMK given that this will turn the perception of the middle-class voters, who get increasingly exhausted by corruption scandals.
The people of Vellore had a mixed reaction; some were furious at the way public funds are misused, while some did not see anything but misuse of centre power for raiding.
Though the dust settles politically, this raid brings up the larger question of accountability and misused enforcement agencies in India. A romance with the voters will now have to fulfill the decision on whether it is a real fight against corruption or just a new chapter of political vendetta.
