TN minister Muthusamy terms ED raids on Tasmac ‘political vendetta’
Muthusamy claims there is no substance to ED’s claims and that its actions are orchestrated to create a false narrative against the DMK government
Tamil Nadu Housing, Prohibition, and Excise Minister S Muthusamy has strongly condemned the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) raids on the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac), labelling them as politically motivated.
In a statement issued on Saturday (May 17), the minister criticised the ongoing searches within the Tasmac premises, including the residence of its managing director, S Visakan, an IAS officer, as an attempt to tarnish the image of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led government.
Also Read: TASMAC 'scam': AIADMK questions role of Udhayanidhi’s 'friend' Ratheesh
Searches resume
The ED resumed searches on May 16, targeting around 10 locations across Tamil Nadu. This followed earlier searches in March alleging financial irregularities worth over Rs 1,000 crore in Tasmac’s operations. The agency claims to have uncovered evidence of tender manipulation, kickbacks from distilleries, and unaccounted cash transactions.
However, minister Muthusamy dismissed these allegations, asserting that the raids lack a clear basis and are driven by “political vendetta”.
“There is no substance to the ED’s claims. These actions are orchestrated to create a false narrative against the DMK government, which has been working tirelessly for the welfare of Tamil Nadu’s people,” Muthusamy said. He further accused the central government of targeting the state due to Chief Minister MK Stalin’s vocal opposition to policies like the three-language policy and delimitation.
Also Read: ED raids linked to TASMAC case only to tarnish TN govt’s image: DMK
Defends Tasmac's operations
The minister also addressed concerns about Tasmac’s operations, emphasising that the corporation functions transparently and within the permitted guidelines. He rubbished claims of outlets operating beyond stipulated hours, calling such allegations baseless.
“Our government is committed to resolving any issues within the Tasmac through review meetings and stakeholder consultations,” he added, referring to ongoing efforts to streamline the corporation’s functioning.
Also Read: Tasmac probe hits new milestone as ED questions Visakan
Opposition ups the ante
Opposition parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have intensified their criticism, with former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai alleging that the DMK has siphoned off funds through flawed procurement policies. AIADMK has questioned the role of Udhayanidhi’s 'friend' Ratheesh in the alleged Rs 1000-crore liquor scam.
Meanwhile, sources indicate that the DMK government is preparing to challenge the ED’s actions legally, arguing that the raids lack a valid predicate offence linking Tasmac’s higher officials to the alleged irregularities. The controversy has sparked a heated political debate, with the opposition likening the Tasmac case to the Delhi liquor policy scam.
