Tamil Nadu Finance Minister N Marie Wilson’s remarks about allegedly paying a bribe during the previous DMK government have triggered a major political controversy in the state.

The DMK and the BJP have both demanded an investigation into Wilson’s claim. They have also called for his removal from the state cabinet until the inquiry is completed.

Wilson Makes Bribery Allegation in Assembly

Wilson made the remarks while speaking in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Monday. He alleged that he had been forced to pay a large amount of money to the school education department during the DMK regime.

According to Wilson, the payment was linked to obtaining approvals for his educational institutions in Chennai. “I am the evidence, I am the witness...I am ready to face an inquiry,” he said in the Assembly.

Wilson’s statement quickly became a political issue, with opposition parties questioning why a minister who claims to have paid a bribe has not faced an investigation.

DMK Demands Immediate Probe

The DMK strongly criticised Wilson over his allegation. Party leader and former school education minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi rejected the claim and described it as baseless.

Poyyamozhi argued that admitting to paying a bribe inside the Assembly was a serious matter. He said the authorities should investigate Wilson because he had presented himself as a direct witness to the alleged transaction.

“A minister in the assembly says that he gave a bribe, is a grave mistake,” Poyyamozhi said.

“Since he claims to be the direct witness to paying a bribe, I request the DVAC to investigate him immediately,” the DMK leader said.

The DMK also demanded action against Wilson over his statement.

BJP Seeks Action Against Both Sides

The BJP also joined the controversy and called for an investigation.

Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagenthran said the government should not ignore the allegation. He stressed that both offering and accepting a bribe are offences under the law.

“Giving and receiving a bribe both are crimes. The government must take action against both parties,” Nagenthran said.

The BJP's position puts pressure on the state government to investigate Wilson’s allegation and establish whether any illegal payment was made.

Health Minister Defends Wilson

State Health Minister KG Arunraj, however, came out in support of Wilson. He described the finance minister as a “whistleblower” for bringing the alleged corruption to public attention.

The contrasting positions within the political establishment have intensified the controversy. While Wilson has offered to face an inquiry, the DMK and BJP want authorities to formally investigate his claim.

The issue is now likely to remain a major political flashpoint, with opposition parties demanding accountability and the government facing calls to determine whether the alleged bribery took place and who was responsible.