Image Credit: X account @annamalai_k
Tamil Nadu BJP Leaders Arrested Amid TASMAC Corruption Protest
Tamil Nadu BJP leaders, including state president K. Annamalai, were detained by the police during a protest against the alleged ₹1,000 crore corruption in TASMAC (Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation). The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has reportedly found evidence of financial irregularities involving liquor sales, tender manipulations, and unaccounted transactions linked to TASMAC operations.
BJP Leaders Detained Over Anti-Corruption Protest
On March 17, 2025, BJP state chief K. Annamalai was arrested near his residence in Akkarai, Chennai, while attempting to join a protest at TASMAC’s headquarters in Egmore. Along with him, senior BJP leaders, including former Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan and Coimbatore South MLA Vanathi Srinivasan, were also detained.
The police had deployed forces outside the residences of BJP leaders from early morning to prevent them from reaching the protest site. As BJP workers tried to demonstrate, many were taken into custody as a preventive measure to maintain law and order.
₹1,000 Crore Corruption Allegations in TASMAC
The ED’s ongoing probe has reportedly revealed massive financial irregularities in TASMAC, with distillery companies allegedly colluding with government officials to manipulate tenders and engage in illicit cash transactions. The estimated loss due to these fraudulent activities is said to be ₹1,000 crore, though BJP leaders claim the actual figure could be much higher.
The investigation suggests that a network of officials and suppliers engaged in corrupt practices, leading to massive revenue losses for the state. This has raised concerns over governance and financial transparency in Tamil Nadu’s liquor trade.
DMK Government’s Response to Allegations
The DMK-led government has strongly denied the corruption claims, calling them politically motivated. Tamil Nadu’s Excise Minister has stated that TASMAC follows a transparent process in liquor sales and procurement and accused the BJP of trying to gain political mileage ahead of elections.
Despite the government’s denial, opposition leaders continue to demand a thorough investigation into the liquor scam, stating that TASMAC’s revenue mismanagement has significantly impacted state funds.
Escalating Political Tensions
With the BJP intensifying its anti-corruption stance, the arrests have widened the political rift between the BJP and the DMK in Tamil Nadu. Annamalai has called the detentions a suppression of democratic protest, arguing that the corruption within TASMAC is much larger than reported.
As investigations continue, the political battle over TASMAC corruption is expected to escalate, with opposition parties pushing for stricter action while the ruling government dismisses the allegations. The case is likely to remain a key political issue in the coming months.
