E.V. Velu. File
| Photo Credit: C. Venkatachalapathy
Tamil Nadu PWD Minister Aadhav Arjuna on Tuesday (September 8, 2026) moved a privilege motion against former PWD and Highways Minister E.V. Velu for allegedly issuing orders for 80 works and creating a liability of ₹2,000 crore for future Budgets.
“This was done in anticipation of the Budget without the prior approval of the Assembly,” he said, requesting Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar to refer the matter to the Privileges Committee under Rule 225 of the Assembly Rules for examination, investigation, and a report.
He said he had submitted a note and documents in support of his case.
Mr. Prabhakar said he would study the material and decide what action should be taken on the issue.
Mr. Arjuna based his case on Articles 202 to 206 of the Constitution, under which the State Legislature considers and approves the annual financial statement and authorises expenditure and supplementary or excess grants. He said the provisions required expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of the State to be authorised by the Legislative Assembly.
“The rights of the Assembly have been violated by issuing work orders. Obtaining approval after issuing the orders will not make it legal,” the Minister said, adding the DMK had done so in the hope that it would be elected to power again.
Published – September 08, 2026 12:20 pm IST
