TVK is not DMK, says Tamil Nadu finance minister

Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Dr N Marie Wilson has rejected the BJP's 'new DMK' label for the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), saying the party does not follow family politics. In an interview with India Today, Wilson said tenders worth nearly Rs 23,000 crore in the Chennai Corporation were cancelled over alleged overestimation and lobbying before the election. He described corruption in the state as 'very, very bad'.

Wilson said the TVK government is tightening tender scrutiny by insisting on one detailed project report followed by one tender process, curbing reverse administrative sanctions. A local audit has been conducted and three departments have been identified for further action, which will be announced soon. He also defended the government's position that Tamil Thai Vazhthu should be sung first at official functions, noting the state assembly unanimously passed a resolution on this.

On economic ambitions, Wilson said Tamil Nadu is targeting a $1.5 trillion economy. He asserted that the party is secular and stands for Tamil identity irrespective of religion, urging the BJP to change its mindset.