BJP Releases Chargesheet Against DMK Ahead of Tamil Nadu Polls, Alleges Corruption and Governance Failures

On Tuesday, March 31, 2026, Union Minister and BJP’s Tamil Nadu election in-charge Piyush Goyal released a detailed chargesheet against the ruling DMK government ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. He was joined by state BJP president Nainar Nagenthran and senior leaders, including K. Annamalai and Tamilisai Soundararajan.

Addressing a press conference, Goyal described the upcoming elections as a “turning point” in the state’s history. He said, “This election will once and for all expose the unholy UPA alliance of DMK, Congress and their partners as being one of the worst governments that Tamil Nadu has ever seen.” He accused the DMK of presiding over a period marked by corruption, poor governance, and unfulfilled promises.

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In its chargesheet, the BJP alleged widespread financial irregularities and systemic corruption across multiple sectors, including governance, welfare, and administration. Among the key accusations was a ₹4,700 crore illegal sand mining scam. Goyal said, “They have built an empire of corruption through illegal sand mining, estimated at ₹4,700 crore in the last three years.” He also alleged irregularities exceeding ₹1 lakh crore linked to the state-run Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC).

On law and order, Goyal claimed that the situation had deteriorated significantly during the DMK’s tenure. He cited data alleging that cases under the POCSO Act increased from 4,968 in 2022 to 6,969 in 2024. He further alleged that DMK councillors and youth wing leaders had been accused of sexual offences and criticised the leadership for inaction, questioning whether the government was protecting the perpetrators.

The BJP also claimed that under the leadership of Chief Minister M. K. Stalin and Udhayanidhi Stalin, Tamil Nadu witnessed over 8,900 murders and 32 custodial deaths, many of which remain uninvestigated. The party described this as evidence of deteriorating public safety and accused the DMK of promoting “dynastic rule,” which it said had weakened institutional accountability.

On economic management, the BJP alleged that Tamil Nadu’s total debt had crossed ₹10 lakh crore, placing a heavy burden on the state’s population. The party further claimed that more than 70% of the DMK government’s electoral promises remain unfulfilled and pointed to over 3.5 lakh vacant government posts as evidence of administrative failure.

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The chargesheet also accused the DMK-led government of discontinuing welfare schemes introduced by previous administrations, such as financial assistance for marriages and subsidised two-wheelers for women. Additionally, it alleged an “anti-Hindu bias,” citing statements attributed to certain leaders and claiming a pattern of remarks critical of Sanatana Dharma and Hindu beliefs.

Goyal stated that if a new government is formed, strict action would be taken against those involved in corruption, and pending cases would be pursued to ensure accountability. He asserted that the chargesheet is based on “facts” and reflects growing public dissatisfaction with the current government.

Tamil Nadu will go to the polls in a single phase on April 23, 2026, covering all 234 constituencies, with counting scheduled for May 4, 2026. The political landscape has become more competitive with the entry of actor-turned-politician Vijay and his party TVK, potentially turning the election into a multi-cornered contest. While the primary battle remains between the DMK-led alliance and the AIADMK-led alliance, the emergence of new players has added a fresh dynamic to the race.

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