Seeman flays DMK, AIADMK over corruption charges

Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) chief coordinator Seeman on Wednesday (January 7, 2026) criticised both the DMK and the AIADMK, alleging that corruption charges and counter-charges surface only during elections.

Mr. Seeman appeared before a court in connection with two cases — campaigning without permission during the 2025 Erode (East) byelection and canvassing beyond the stipulated time. The court posted the hearing to March 9 and directed him to appear then.

Addressing the media on the court premises, Mr. Seeman reacted to the AIADMK’s complaint to the Governor alleging ₹4.5 lakh crore corruption by the DMK government. He said political parties routinely accuse each other whenever there is a change in power. “Are they trying to project that there is no corruption on their side and that they alone are honest? Such claims cannot be taken seriously. This happens whenever elections approach,” he said.

Criticising the State government over the announcement of ₹3,000 Pongal cash assistance, Mr. Seeman said that if the government truly wanted to help people, the assistance should have been extended last year. Calling it “election Pongal”, he alleged that despite a debt of ₹10 lakh crore, the government had failed to meet basic needs, pointing to protests by secondary-grade teachers, nurses, and conservancy workers.

He claimed that the old pension scheme was implemented ahead of elections due to fears of losing the support of nearly 60 lakh government employees. “The voices of conservancy workers and teachers are not heard because their numbers are smaller,” he said, adding that people often forget their struggles during elections and vote for the same leaders. “That is where the mistake happens,” he observed.

On the Thirupparankundram issue, Mr. Seeman questioned the need to approach the courts. “If people want to light a lamp, they should be allowed to do so. Everyone has religious rights,” he said, adding that the government should have held talks with all stakeholders to ensure peaceful worship.

He alleged that the issue began after the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments department intervened and prevented animal sacrifice that had been practised for years. “Why stop it now?” he asked, alleging that the controversy was triggered ahead of elections. “The DMK is eyeing Muslim votes, while the BJP wants Hindu votes. Both are politicising the issue for electoral gains,” he said.

Mr. Seeman also recalled that during the Lord Murugan conference held in Madurai last year, lamps were not lit at Thirupparankundram. “Now they want to do it because of elections,” he alleged. On alliances, Mr. Seeman said the PMK joining the AIADMK front was expected. “The PMK was earlier in the alliance. It is their only option,” he remarked.