Opposition accuses Kallakurichi TVK MLA of harassing District Collector; MLA denies, Minister promises probe

Opposition parties in Tamil Nadu have accused Kallakurichi TVK MLA C Arul Vignesh of allegedly sending inappropriate text messages to the district collector and harassing her by visiting her official residence. The allegations surfaced through social media posts that have not been verified. The MLA has strongly denied them, calling them targeted rumours aimed at defaming him and his party.

DMK deputy general secretary and MP Kanimozhi reacted to the reports in a post on X. She said social media reports claimed that the MLA sent obscene messages to the collector and visited her residence allegedly in an inebriated state. She also referred to reports that a dedicated security officer was subsequently assigned to the collector.

Kanimozhi questioned the law and order situation in the state under the TVK government, said even district collectors were not safe, and asked Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay to respond.

Congress MP Jothimani also reacted to the allegations. She urged the government to conduct a proper investigation and take strict action if the MLA is found guilty. Jothimani said nearly 50 per cent of district collectors in Tamil Nadu are women, which reflects the Chief Minister’s confidence in women administrators and their hard work. However, she said such incidents could bring disrepute to the party and the government and should be curbed at the initial stage.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Arul Vignesh said he has great respect for government officials and denied that any such incident took place. He said certain individuals were targeting his party out of political grudge, as he is the only TVK MLA from Kallakurichi district. He pointed out that the collector’s bungalow has security guards and CCTV cameras, said he would approach the police against those spreading rumours, and expressed his willingness to face an inquiry.

Responding to the controversy, School Education Minister Rajmohan said the government would not show any bias in dealing with such allegations, irrespective of the accused person’s position or political affiliation. He assured a thorough and impartial inquiry, and said strict action would follow if the allegations are proved.