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Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) [भारत]July 18 (ANI): Tamil Nadu Revenue Minister K. A. Sengottaiyan on Friday responded to opposition allegations over financial irregularities and clarified the government's stand on pending infrastructure tenders, private transport operations and regulatory enforcement.

Minister's clarification on corruption allegations

Responding to questions on the alleged corruption scam of Rs 40 crore in the Semmozhi Park project raised recently at the Coimbatore Corporation Council meeting, Sengottaiyan said the present administration had recently assumed charge. He said the alleged irregularities occurred during the tenure of the previous government, adding that the current administration had already initiated several actions in recent times.

Government's stance on race course tender controversy

On the race course tender controversy, the minister confirmed that some tenders have been put on hold due to cost overruns. He stressed that Chief Minister Vijay is keeping a close eye on the regime to ensure that there are no irregularities during his tenure. Sengottaiyan said tenders cannot be canceled without valid reasons and any final decision will be taken only on the basis of proper justification. The minister also said that wherever estimates of increased costs have been prepared, the Chief Minister will take appropriate and transparent decisions.

Government statement on private bus fares

On the transport front, Sengottaiyan welcomed the statement by private omnibus operators that they will charge fares at par with government buses. Calling it a positive change, he said that passengers will no longer have to pay exorbitant fares and also said that operating the services at fare levels approved by the government will contribute to the development of the country.

Action will be taken against resto-bar

Responding to a statement given by PMK leader Anbumani on the resto-bar issue, the minister said the government is taking prompt action wherever necessary and the chief minister will take phased decisions to strengthen regulatory measures.

Palani land dispute and political rhetoric

When asked about the opposition leaders' claim that "Palani has also been tonsured" (a political comment), the minister replied that "time will tell who actually tonsured Palani."

Earlier, the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court on Wednesday had admitted an appeal filed by Arulmigu Dandapani Swamigal Madam (Math), Palani. The court categorically declared as "invalid" a highly controversial sale deed executed in favor of certain persons in respect of 1.35 acres of land situated at Palani in Dindigul district.

A division bench of Justices CV Karthikeyan and R Sakthivel overturned the previous order of the single bench. That lower order had directed the sub-registrar to register the sale deed if the document is found otherwise to be genuine. On reviewing the case, the Division Bench observed a significant lapse in the initial proceedings: the appellant Math was not impleaded as a party before the Single Bench, and the Sub-Registrar had failed to consider the objections raised by the Math before rushing to register the document. (ANI)

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