Police probe suggests DMK, AIADMK councillors benefited from ‘lowering’ of taxes in Madurai Corporation

Mr. Jindal
3 Min Read

Police investigation into the alleged property tax scam in Madurai Corporation suggests that both the DMK and AIADMK councillors have benefited, according to a reliable source.

Speaking to The Hindu on Thursday, the source said selective lowering of property tax slabs in assessments was carried out by some key elected representatives, with assistance from certain officials in the revenue wing. They were aided by technocrats familiar with manipulating the system.

For instance, the property tax for a marriage hall reportedly owned by an elected representative of the DMK was reduced by at least 60% after reclassification from ‘A’ category to ‘B’ or ‘C’ category, which attracted a lower tax.

When the issue leaked, some opposition members and DMK alliance partners were also “taken care of.” Thus they too benefited from the scam, the source said, adding that a majority of the councillors — regardless of party affiliation — were aware of the malpractice.

Due to political compulsions, the CPI(M), which has two councillors in the Corporation council, remained silent. They could not be reached for their comments.

A senior DMK leader and former MLA, requesting anonymity, said the party high command was aware of the developments in Madurai Corporation and was weighing the pros and cons. Although letters of resignation had been collected from the five zonal chairpersons and Mayor Indrani Pon Vasanth, he said, no major changes were expected in the near future.

Some staunch followers of the two local Ministers — P. Moorthy and Palanivel Thiaga Rajan — opined that although Chief Minister and DMK president M. K. Stalin is disappointed over the developments, he might avoid taking drastic steps that could affect the party’s prospects.

Even as the investigation continues and brings embarrassment to the ruling party, a fresh turmoil erupted in Karaikudi Corporation on Thursday. DMK councillors, including the Deputy Mayor, along with those from the Congress, submitted a memorandum to the Commissioner seeking a no-confidence motion against the Mayor, a fellow DMK functionary.

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