Tamil Nadu Today newsletter: Speaker sends notices to four ex-MLAs

1. DVAC reopens corruption case against Vaithilingam

The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) has reopened its investigation into an alleged ₹27.9-crore bribery case against former Minister for Housing and Urban Development R. Vaithilingam.

The agency had registered a case against Mr. Vaithilingam on September 19, 2024, for an alleged offence committed by him while serving as the Minister in former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa’s Cabinet during 2011-16.

Earlier, the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has filed a protest petition before the Principal Sessions Court in Chennai objecting to a move by the DVAC to close a ₹27.9 crore bribery case against Mr. Vaithilingam who had resigned his MLA post in January 2026 before joining the DMK.

2. Notices sent to four ex-MLAs: Speaker

Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar said notices were issued on June 9 to four former AIADMK MLAs — S. Jayakumar, P. Sathyabama, Maragatham Kumaravel, and Esaki Subaya — who voted in favour of the ruling TVK-led government, when they were members of the House, during the confidence vote on May 13, defying the directions of the party whip.

Speaking to journalists at the Secretariat in Chennai, Mr. Prabhakar said the four former MLAs would have to respond within seven days from the date of issuance of the notices.

3. Kuruvai special package for paddy cultivation announced

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay today (June 12, 2026) announced a Kuruvai special package for paddy cultivation in the Cauvery delta districts and other areas of the State at a cost of ₹134.83 crore.

According to an official release, paddy is cultivated in 52.72 lakh acres across the State. In the Cauvery delta region and certain parts of Cuddalore, Tiruchi, and Ariyalur districts, paddy is cultivated annually on 20.65 lakh acres, of which an average of 5.14 lakh acres is cultivated during the Kuruvai season.