As the news of a military air ambulance being sent to ferry Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam’s brother from a hospital in Madurai to Chennai spread, it raked up a controversy in the State. Opposition leader M.K. Stalin on Wednesday demanded the resignation of Mr. Panneerselvam and Union Home Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
“It is a mystery how a defence helicopter was sent for an individual’s personal requirement. It is my opinion that Mr. Panneeselvam, who misused the defence vehicle and Ms. Sitharaman who sent it, should both resign,” he told reporters when asked about the Deputy Chief Minister's statement that he was in New Delhi to thank the Minister for her help towards his brother.
Pointing out that the High Court had already been informed about the case filed against Mr. Panneerselvam by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), Mr. Stalin said that Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami would also face a similar situation.
“We have submitted a memorandum to the Governor listing the irregularities and corrupt practices committed by the them in the last seven years. Our party’s organisation secretary R.S. Bharathi handed over similar allegation to the DVAC and it was recorded in the Court,” he said, adding soon the both would be removed from power and sent to jail. “Their cabinet colleagues also would not be spared,” he further said.
Asked what the DMK had planned to do if the Governor failed to act on their petition, Mr. Stalin said the party would move the court.
When asked if the DMK would accept Congress president Rahul Gandhi as the prime ministerial candidate, the DMK working president said an answer for this question would be found during election time.