A recent report released by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) in collaboration with National Election Watch (NEW) has brought to light the criminal and financial profiles of ministers currently serving in various State Assemblies, Union Territories, and the Union Council of Ministers. This analysis is based on self-sworn affidavits (Form 26) submitted by ministers at the time of elections held between 2020 and 2025. Of the 652 ministers, the data of 643 was examined across 27 states, three Union Territories, and the central government.

Criminal Background

According to the findings, 302 ministers, which account for approximately 47 percent of those analysed, have declared criminal cases against themselves. More concerning is that 174 of them, or 27 percent, are facing serious criminal charges, including cases related to murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, and crimes against women. The report notes that the current legal status of these cases may have changed since the affidavits were filed, and could vary depending on each individual case.

A closer look at Tamil Nadu reveals particularly troubling figures. Among the 31 ministers from the DMK party, 27 (or 87 percent) have admitted to having criminal cases, while 14 (45 percent) have been charged with serious criminal offences. This trend mirrors broader national patterns, where several political parties have a significant number of ministers with criminal backgrounds.

When broken down by party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has 136 out of 336 ministers (40 percent) with declared criminal cases, while 88 of them (26 percent) face serious charges. The Indian National Congress (INC) shows similar trends with 45 out of 61 ministers (74 percent) having criminal cases, and 18 (30 percent) dealing with serious charges. Other parties such as the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Janata Dal (United), and Shiv Sena also show significant proportions of their ministers facing criminal allegations.

 Financial Background

On the financial front, the report reveals that the average assets held by ministers across states, UTs, and the Union Council amount to ₹37.21 crore. The total combined wealth of the 643 ministers is estimated at ₹23,929 crore. Among them, 36 ministers, or around 6 percent, are classified as billionaires, holding assets exceeding ₹100 crore. Karnataka leads with the highest number of billionaire ministers at eight, followed by Andhra Pradesh with six, and Maharashtra with four. Other states including Arunachal Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, and Telangana each have two billionaire ministers, while Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab have one each. The Union Council of Ministers also includes six billionaires out of a total of 72 members.

From a party perspective, the BJP has the highest number of wealthy ministers, with 14 billionaires among its ranks. The INC follows with 11 billionaire ministers out of 61, and the TDP with six out of 23, the latter accounting for the highest proportion of billionaires in any party.

Special Analysis Of Tamil Nadu Cabinet

A special analysis of Tamil Nadu’s cabinet after the 2021 state elections shows the extent of both criminal and financial entanglements among its ministers. R. Gandhi, the Minister for Handlooms and Textiles, tops the list with declared assets worth ₹47.94 crore and three serious criminal cases against him. He holds only a 10th standard education qualification. The second wealthiest is Industries Minister TRB Raja with assets of ₹41.81 crore and two serious cases registered. Finance Minister PTR Palanivel Thiagarajan ranks third, with declared assets of ₹38.89 crore and four criminal cases.

Minister Duraimurugan follows, with wealth amounting to ₹30.80 crore and a total of eight criminal cases, including two serious ones. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin ranks fifth, holding assets valued at ₹29.07 crore, while having 22 criminal cases registered against him. Minister E.V. Velu is next with assets worth ₹23.32 crore and seven criminal cases, two of which are serious. Minister Saminathan holds assets of ₹21.07 crore and is involved in three criminal cases, including two serious ones. Minister Raghupathi, with assets totaling ₹15.32 crore, has 23 criminal cases against him.

Minister Muthusamy owns assets worth ₹13.68 crore and is facing nine criminal cases. Minister Sivashankar rounds out the top ten with assets worth ₹13.55 crore but is burdened with 46 criminal cases, including seven serious charges.

Overall, the report highlights that 87 percent of Tamil Nadu’s ministers have declared criminal cases against them, and nearly half are facing serious criminal allegations. The findings paint a sobering picture of the political landscape, raising critical questions about the integrity of public representatives and the need for stronger electoral reforms.

(With Inputs From One India Tamil)

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In a surprising turn of events in Tamil Nadu, the Madras High Court on 7 August 2024, approved two suo motu criminal revision petitions that were taken up last year, overturning the exoneration of Revenue Minister K.K.S.S.R. Ramachandran and Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu, along with their family members, in two separate disproportionate assets cases from 2011 and 2012.

Justice N. Anand Venkatesh revoked a ruling made by a special court for MP/MLA cases on 20 July 2023, which had cleared DMK Revenue Minister Ramachandran, his wife R Adhilakshmi, and friend K.S.P. Shanmugamoorthy, reinstating the disproportionate assets case back to the special court’s docket. He mandated the trial court to formulate charges and proceed in line with the law.

The judge specified that due to his orders in the suo motu proceedings, any discharge petitions previously filed by the accused before the trial court would be dismissed. He instructed all three accused to appear before the special court on 9 September and provide a bond. He emphasized the need for the trial to be conducted daily and finalized promptly, independent of his prior observations in the suo motu proceedings.

Moreover, in a separate decision regarding DMK’s Finance Minister Thennarasu, the judge referenced a quote by James Jeffrey Roche, underscoring the strength and reach of the law in capturing wrongdoers. The judge nullified a previous ruling by the special court on 12 December 2022, discharging the Minister and his wife T. Manimegalai, returning the disproportionate assets case to the trial court. Observing the availability of prima facie evidence to frame charges, he directed the special court to move forward with charge framing.

The defendants were instructed to attend the special court on 11 September 2024, where a bond under Section 88 of the Code of Criminal Procedure should be obtained as necessary. Justice Venkatesh insisted on a daily trial process for the 2012 disproportionate assets case to swiftly reach completion, maintaining independence from any prior observations made in the suo motu proceedings.

On 23 August of the previous year, Justice Venkatesh had initiated suo motu criminal revision proceedings following a discharge of the two Tamil Nadu ministers in the disproportionate assets cases by a special court. Recognizing the balanced play between the accused and prosecution, the judge issued notices to Ramachandran and Thennarasu, who had been absolved from the said cases in July 2023 and December 2022, respectively.

[BREAKING] Madras High Court restores corruption case against TN Ministers KKSSR Ramachandran and Thangam Thenarasu; asks trial court to frame charges

Read full story: https://t.co/wZMSBqZElo pic.twitter.com/xfA3XLHK7p

— Bar and Bench (@barandbench) August 7, 2024

(With inputs from The Hindu)

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Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai announced on Thursday that he would release the “DMK files – unaccounted property list of DMK leaders” on April 14. Annamalai had months ago said he would release on April 14, the Tamil New Year Day, documents on “corruption” related to DMK leaders. On his Twitter account, the State BJP chief wrote, “DMK Files April 14th, 2023 – 10:15 am.” He also stated that he would make public his Rafale Watch bill along with the illegally amassed property list of DMK leaders.

In light of this, Annamalai met with the press in Chennai today. Releasing his Rafale Watch bill, he stated that he is experiencing financial difficulties, which is common when a first generation politician enters politics. He said that as Tamil Nadu BJP President, he incurs an average monthly expense of ₹7 to 8 lakhs, which is borne by his friends, and even the car he drives belongs to a friend.

BJP Tamil Nadu chief Annamalai stated that he will upload his 212-page bank statement from the day he became an IPS officer and that he struggled for seven years to repay the loan he took to complete his MBA degree.

Publishing the bill of Rafale watch, Annamalai stated that the watch was purchased from the Zimson showroom in Coimbatore and is the only second watch of this edition in India. He also stated that he purchased the Rafale watch from Cheralaatha Ramakrishnan through the Zimson watch showroom in Coimbatore in May 2021. He also showed the press Richard Mille and other expensive watches worth more than a crore, which were used by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, his son Udhayanithi Stalin, and son-in-law Sabarisan.

Later, Annamalai revealed the details of ₹1.34 lakh crores in property amassed illegally by the DMK leaders while in power. As part of the first list, Annamalai released the property details of first 12 DMK leaders.

DMK Minister’s Assets Released By Annamalai

Jagathrakshakan – ₹50,219.37 crores

EV Velu – ₹5442.39 crores

KN Nehru – ₹2495.14 crores

Kanimozhi – ₹830.33 crores

Kalanithi Maran – ₹12,450 crores

TR Balu – ₹10,841.1 crores

Kathir Anand – ₹579.58 crores

Kalanidhi Veerasamy – ₹2923.29 crores

Ponmudi & Goutham Sigamani – ₹581.20 crores

Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi – ₹1023.22 crores

Udhayanidhi – ₹2039 crores

Sabarisan – ₹902.46 crores

The properties owned by Jagathrakshakan include JR Super Speciality Hospital (₹444.79 cr), Grand Accord Pvt ltd (₹4.06 cr), Accord Energy Corporation (₹343.02 cr), JAM hotel and resorts (₹66.81 cr), Sri Lakshmi Ammal Educational Trust (₹1239.80 cr) and others.

EV Velu who declared his asset as 23 crores in his election affidavit in 2021, has actually more than ₹5000 crores in assets. He owns Arunai Engineering college (₹1086.26 cr), Kamban Arts and Science College (₹141.86 cr), Arunai Medical college (₹4120.26 cr) and Jeeva Velu international School (₹94 cr).

KN Nehru, who declared that his assets are worth only ₹3 crores in 2021 affidavit, owns Pare Mineral (₹2.78 cr), Janani Mineral (₹1.59 cr), GSNR Rice Industries (₹19.95 cr), Kauvery Hospital (86.8 cr), and other assets worth over 2400 crores.

Though Kanimozhi declared ₹30 crores as her assets in 2019 election affidavit, her share in Kalaignar TV alone is worth more than ₹800 crores.

Kalanidhi Maran has assets worth ₹12,450 crores in areas such as films, television, the IPL franchise, DTH services, and others.

Some of the assets owned by TR Balu, who declared his assets as ₹20 crores in the election affidavit are Kings India Power Corporation (₹50 cr), Safe Infratech (₹10 cr), Golden Vats (₹255 cr) and others.

Some Important Assets Of Other DMK Leaders

Kathir Anand – Kingston International Academy (₹117.27 cr), Kingston Engineering College (₹447.83 cr)

Kalanithi Veersamy – KUN Group (₹1562 cr), Vee Care Group (₹711.1 cr), Chennai Public School (₹649.59 cr ) and others.

Ponmudi – Ever Smile Enterprises Ltd ( ₹13 cr), Siga Properties Pvt Ltd (₹1 cr), PT Excel Pesticide Company (₹204.81 cr) and others

Udhayanidhi – Red Giant (₹2010 cr)

Sabarisan – CFS ZIPP ITD (₹44.65 cr), Lantern Lodge (₹13.22 cr), SpaceTel UK (₹15.11 cr), St George Bank (₹37.6 cr).

Annamalai also displayed a number of real estate properties in South Indian states that were owned by the DMK-linked G Square real estate company. In the details provided, Annamalai also accused the liquor minister Senthil Balaji of looting more than ₹10,000 crores per year. Annamalai claimed that the total value of the assets of DMK ministers exceeds ₹1.34 lakh crores. He went on to say that the list only includes properties registered directly in the names of DMK Ministers and their relatives, not benami properties.

He added that the benami properties of certain newly joined DMK members total more than 20,000 crore, which will be covered in Part 2 of the “DMK files.” Annamalai stated that the G Square, which had a revenue of only ₹52 crores in 2019, has grown mysteriously since the DMK came to power and is now worth over ₹32,000 crores. He also questioned Udhayanithi Stalin’s Red Giant Movies’ growth and sought information about its investors. He also accused the son-in-law of the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister of money laundering through shell companies and Westpac Bank.

Furthermore, he stated that the exposing of corruption will not be limited to the DMK, but that he will expose the corruption of all parties in power in order to achieve Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream of building a corruption-free society.

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Tamil Nadu Ministers reportedly boycotted the 1037th Sadhaya-Vizha (Birth Anniversary) of Rajaraja Chola held at Thanjavur Periya Koil.

Rajaraja Cholan’s 1037th birth anniversary was celebrated Thursday (Nov 3rd) at Thanjavur Periya Temple (Brihadeeswara Temple). Newspapers were printed and distributed on behalf of the Sadhaya Vizha committee, stating that Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Minister PK Shekharbabu and School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poiyamozhi will be present for the ceremony and ensure the success of the Sadaya Vizha.

In this situation, both ministers did not attend the Sadaya Vizha on November 3rd at Thanjavur Periya Koil. However, on the same day, the Thanjavur News Public Relations Department sent a message to the press stating that Information Minister M. P. Saminathan was on his way from Trichy to Kumbakonam to garland the statue of Rajaraja Cholan in Thanjavur. After some time, it was announced that the ministerial program had been cancelled.

Instead of participating in the 1037th Sadhaya Vizha program of Rajaraja Cholan held on behalf of the government in Thanjavur, Ministers M. P. Saminathan and Anbil Mahes Poiyamozhi both participated in the program held by a private organization at Pambapatayur near Kumbakonam.

It is widely assumed that the ministers of Tamil Nadu did not attend the Thanjavur Periya Koil program because they were afraid of the jinx that they would lose their positions if the ruling politicians attended the event in Thanjai Periya Kovil.

(with inputs from Hindu Tamil Thisai)

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A video of DMK Water Resource Minister Duraimurugan threatening to transfer a government doctor to Kanyakumari while inspecting Ponnai Primary Health Center along with Tamil Nadu Minister for Health and Public Welfare M. Subramanian is going viral.

Ponnai Primary Health Center in Vellore Kaatpaadi was inspected by Minister for Health and Public Welfare Ma Subramanian and Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan on Wednesday (Oct 5).

In this occasion, there were allegations that despite being located in a hilly location, the hospital lacked snakebite medications and that the doctors weren’t frequently on duty. In relation to this Minister M. Subramanian has already recommended transfer of the 2 concerned doctors.

The Water Resource Minister, who was also present for the inspection, said furiously to the duty doctor, “Where are you hailing from? The doctor should be thrown (transferred) to Kanya Kumari.” This video of Minister Duraimurugan threatening the government doctor has gone viral in social media.

எந்த ஊருமா நீ.. கோபப்பட்ட அமைச்சர்.. 'கன்னியாகுமரிக்கு தூக்கி அடிங்க'.. டாக்டர்ஸ்க்கு செக்..! #vellore #doctors #ministermasubramanian #duraimurugan #transfer pic.twitter.com/CWIbEssG3t

— Polimer News (@polimernews) October 5, 2022

Earlier this week, another such video of minister Duraimurugan saying they’re getting ‘change in lower denominations’ to give one thousand rupees to the heads of the families went viral on social media.

Of late, DMK Ministers have embroiled themselves in controversies because of their behaviour and talk in public.

Recently, a couple of other Ministers, including Higher Education Minister K Ponmudy, DMK MP A Raja, and Revenue Minister KKSSR Ramachandran, were involved in loose talks, and their statements went viral on social media, inviting criticism from opposition parties.

The Chief Minister was forced to warn his ministers to exercise extreme caution when making public speeches and interacting with the general public.

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