Tamil Nadu government faces tender allegations over Chief Minister’s Office

The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government is facing allegations of tender violations regarding the relocation and construction of the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) in Tamil Nadu. During a session in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, a heated exchange occurred between DMK MLA EV Velu and Public Works Minister Aadhav Arjuna over the process.

Critics allege that the Rs 5.54 crore tender notification, published in newspapers on August 13, was not uploaded to the mandatory government e-procurement portal until August 17. Furthermore, while newspaper advertisements specified the tender value, the online portal reportedly listed the amount as ‘NA’.

These allegations contrast with the TVK government’s stated commitment to procurement reform and transparency intended to prevent contractor cartelization. The Public Works Department (PWD) has faced scrutiny for the delay in digital uploads, though the minister has dismissed the claims as being based on inaccurate reports.