Chennai: Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai warned of releasing the second part of the 'DMK Files', which he said would expose details of land and entities purchased by ministers in the name of their benamis.
This announcement comes as Annamalai appeared at the Metropolitan Magistrate court in Saidapet, Chennai, in connection with a defamation petition filed against him by DMK MP T R Baalu. The petition claims that Annamalai made misleading statements against Baalu during a recent press conference.
In May, Annamalai had released the first part of the 'DMK Files,' which alleged corruption by the DMK party leaders, including Chief Minister M K Stalin, his son and Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, and other prominent members. As a result, Baalu filed a defamation case against Annamalai, leading to the court directing Annamalai to appear on July 14.
Addressing reporters, Annamalai expressed his willingness to face the trial and substantiate the allegations made against Baalu. He emphasized that the defamation case against Baalu would serve as an acid test against corruption in Tamil Nadu. Annamalai further stated that once this case concludes, they would be prepared to confront other DMK leaders.
Highlighting the significance of the confrontation, Annamalai characterized it as a battle between the first and third generations of Tamil Nadu. He described his supporters, including lawyers and party members, as first-generation fighters taking on the third-generation dynasty of the DMK. Despite the DMK's substantial resources, Annamalai asserted its determination to bring about transparent governance in Tamil Nadu.
While confirming the imminent release of the second part of the 'DMK Files,' Annamalai mentioned ongoing discussions with the legal team on the appropriate method of disclosing the benamis (proxies) of these political leaders in a public forum.
He revealed that the upcoming release would expose details of land and entities purchased by ministers in the name of their benamis.
The list of benamis includes approximately 300 individuals who currently project themselves as respectable personalities in society, with a focus on recently elected ministers who transitioned from the AIADMK to the DMK.
In addition to his legal battles, Annamalai is preparing for a padayatra commencing on July 28. This foot march across the state serves as a strategic move in anticipation of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections next year.