Minister Moorthy hits back at EPS' corruption charges

Madurai: Commercial taxes minister P Moorthy on Sunday dismissed AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami 's allegations of corruption in the registration department.

Speaking after laying the foundation stone for a new road near Madakulam Ayyanar temple, Moorthy said Palaniswami's charge that 10% bribes on every registration were being collected in sub-registrar offices was unfounded.

Addressing reporters, Moorthy said, "If Palaniswami has evidence, he should specify which office and in what period the alleged collection took place. Even members of his own party register documents. Making such sweeping charges without facts is only for political gain."

The minister said no irregular land registrations were permitted under the DMK regime. "If any sub-registrar is found guilty of wrongdoing, action will be taken. But to allege that the system itself is corrupt is unacceptable," he said, pointing out that CBI cases on irregular registrations during earlier AIADMK regimes were still under trial.

Moorthy also rejected allegations linking him to AIADMK MLA K Sellur Raju's money dealings. "They say Moorthy supported the money issue involving Sellur Raju. I never went to any police station for him. He looks after his matters, and I look after mine," he said.

Reiterating that DMK's focus was on governance rather than political rhetoric, Moorthy said the govt was committed to schemes like the Kalaignar women's entitlement programme and extending benefits to all eligible families, including those who were left out initially. "It is not enough to speak politics; people must see results in action," he said.

He added that the coming assembly election would reflect the people's verdict on welfare measures. "We do not create any artificial build-up. We simply work for the people," Moorthy said.