TN Tender Row Erupts After TVK Cancels Water Project Bid
Opposition DMK alleges irregularities after Thoothukudi tender closed within hours
- TVK government scraps ₹16.83 lakh tender after controversy
- DMK alleges tender process was rushed to favour select company
- Two officials suspended pending investigation into tender process
- Row marks second controversy for Vijay-led government
GG News Bureau
Chennai, 21st May: A political controversy has erupted in Tamil Nadu after the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam cancelled a government tender for a water project in Thoothukudi district following allegations of irregularities raised by the opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
The ₹16.83 lakh tender for constructing a 3,000-litre overhead water tank in a village in Thoothukudi was reportedly floated at 9 am on May 18 and closed within six hours at 3 pm the same day.
The contract was awarded the following day, triggering criticism over the unusually short timeline for participation and submission of documents.
Following public backlash and opposition attacks, the state government cancelled the tender citing “administrative reasons” and suspended two officials pending investigation.
The DMK accused the government of manipulating the process to favour a particular company.
Senior DMK leader Amutharasan questioned how any contractor could realistically prepare a Detailed Project Report and complete procedural requirements within such a short period.
He alleged the process reflected “pre-planned contract politics” rather than administrative efficiency.
Amutharasan also targeted N. Anand, the TVK minister handling Rural Development and Water Resources portfolios, questioning the urgency behind the tender process.
The controversy marks the second major political setback for Chief Minister Vijay’s government since assuming office last month.
Earlier, the government faced criticism over the appointment of astrologer Radhan Pandit Vetrivel as an Officer on Special Duty.
The ruling party had initially defended the appointment, stating that his profession was unrelated to his administrative role, but later removed him from the post after opposition backlash.
Despite the controversies, the Vijay-led government has also received praise for recent administrative decisions, including an order to shut down state-run TASMAC liquor outlets located within 500 metres of educational institutions, bus stands and places of worship.
The latest tender controversy has intensified political exchanges between the ruling TVK and the DMK as the new government faces growing scrutiny over governance and transparency.
