Tamil Nadu minister for energy resources and law R Nirmal Kumar has emerged as the TVK govt’s defender-in-chief. In an interview with TOI’s Shanmughasundaram J, the minister says the TVK-led coalition is preparing a common minimum programme, and TVK will contest the upcoming local body elections with its coalition partners. He says a single-window zero-corruption system will attract more investments to the state. Excerpts:How has the first two months of the govt been?We inherited a system that was riddled with corruption. All approvals for govt projects were given only after paying “party fund”. Former ministers were part of this corrupt system which resulted in the loss of 40% of money the govt spent. Even after TVK formed the govt, files didn’t move because of the corrupt system. Making files move was the biggest challenge. Today, we have eradicated 95% of corruption.Udhayanidhi Stalin asked you to name the party which collected party fund and sought evidence. Why didn’t you respond?We have sufficient evidence. In my department, we found 45 tenders worth around 2,500 cr were sanctioned in violation of rules. A detailed investigation is underway. We will take appropriate action against everyone involved.There is criticism that the govt is silent on its key poll promises, including the 2,500 monthly financial assistance for women.Our leader made a commitment and he will honour it. Right now, we are focused on fixing the system and plugging leakages. A work that was earlier tendered for 1 lakh is being executed for around 28,000 today. We have cancelled several tenders that violated norms. We expect governance to stabilise substantially within eight months. Once the system is streamlined, we will deliver on all our promises.DMK says booking of cases against former DMK ministers and MLAs is political vendetta.TVK govt does not indulge in political vendetta. All that we have done is to give a free hand to the police to act according to the law. If they find violations or evidence of financial loss to the govt, they register cases and investigate.Opposition parties say CM C Joseph Vijay has failed to take on Union govt on NEET and Mekedatu. Is TVK going soft on BJP?CM speaks whenever it is necessary and when it serves a purpose. At the same time, our stand on NEET has never changed. TN has consistently sought exemption from NEET. Regarding Mekedatu, the CM wrote a letter to the PM.Opposition parties and some allies have asked the CM to drop his plan to visit Karnataka for talks on Mekedatu.Our CM believes dialogue is important to find a permanent solution. He will take the final call after considering all aspects of the issue. He is holding consultations with experts. We will explore every possible legal avenue to safeguard the state’s rights.It has been more than a month since TVK and its allies met to discuss formalising the coalition. Have you put on hold the plans?Not at all. The process is very much underway. Alliance will take shape soon. It will be based on a common minimum programme. Our alliance partners are part of the govt and the coalition govt is functioning in a smooth manner.What is TVK’s strategy for the local body elections? CPI has said they would consider contesting alone.We will contest the local body elections with our alliance partners. The seat-sharing formula will be worked out closer to the polls. We want all democratic forces to remain part of this alliance.Some allies are criticising your govt. Is there a strain within the coalition?Ours is a natural alliance with the Left parties, VCK and other partners. Every alliance partner has the right to express its views. We are open to discussions. Unlike the previous DMK govt, we do not believe in an authoritarian approach.Several industry leaders had met CM, but how will the plan to drop Parandur airport project impact new investments?Many industries are keen on investing in the state and many more are in talks with us. These discussions are at different levels. We have guaranteed them a single window system and a corruption-free system to ensure industrial growth. You will see those talks materialising into investments in two months.
