Thoothukudi's district BJP president alleges irregularities in Corporation's tender process

The Hindu

23-04-2025

BJP's Thoothukudi South District president R. Sindhrangathan has submitted a petition to the District Collector against the Corporation's Mayor and Commissioner over tender irregularities.
According to the petition, under the 'Namakku Naame' scheme 2024-2025 introduced by the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, several works are being undertaken by the Thoothukudi Corporation. A tender notification for these works was issued on April 4, 2025 by the Thoothukudi Corporation Commissioner.
The notification stated that the bid for invitation could be submitted until April 25,2025.
The petition claimed that one of the tenders called for construction of a new road with pedestrian pathway behind the Corporation office at a cost of ₹30 lakh. However, even before selecting the contractor for this work, the road construction had already begun and it was nearing completion.
Similarly, a tender called for fencing and electrification work at 'Aayiram Pirai' park at a cost of ₹15.60 lakh. But it was noted that the fencing and electrification works were already completed a few months ago. Another bid was called for the construction of compound walls at sports ground in P&T Colony at a cost of ₹31.50 lakh. Mr Sindhrangathan questioned the need for a new wall, when already one existed and raised concerns about the inauguration of it by Lok Sabha MP Kanimozhi Karunaidhi, two months ago.
He urged the Collector to conduct an inquiry on this matter and take appropriate action against the Mayor and Corporation Commissioner.
Responding to allegations, Mayor Jegan Periyasamy denied the claims. He clarified that the tender behind the Corporation office was specifically for the construction of an approaching road using BT, while initial levelling and ground works were done using the Corporation's own earth movers. Similarly for the park, the tender was issued for different sections of fencing and additional electrification works, not for previously completed tasks.
With regards to the sports ground, he noted that the tender included the additional arrangements and enhancement to the existing compound wall to improve safety and usability, he added.