Viral Audio Leaks: Social Welfare Minister Allegedly Threatens TVK Official With Arrest
A leaked phone conversation features Social Welfare Minister K. Jagadeshwari discussing police action against a party colleague. The recording emerges amid internal friction within the TVK following their May election victory.
Internal TVK Friction Surfaces via Leaked Phone Call
A four-minute audio recording involving Social Welfare Minister K. Jagadeshwari has surfaced on social media, sparking debate over internal power dynamics within the TVK party. The exchange features the Minister speaking with L. Rajaguru, the former North West Union secretary of the party, shortly after the TVK assumed power in May. While the Minister has not provided a public statement regarding the leak, a party official has verified the authenticity of the recording.
Allegations of Police Intimidation
The conversation centers on activities at the Rajapalayam taluk office. During the call, Ms. Jagadeshwari questions Rajaguru about whether he visited the office during her absence. While Rajaguru denies the claim, he identifies another functionary, Lakshmanan, as the individual who visited several Rajapalayam government offices to distribute sweets in celebration of the party's electoral win. Upon learning of Lakshmanan's actions, Ms. Jagadeshwari states in the clip that she intends to file a police complaint to ensure his incarceration. Key details regarding the participants include:
- L. Rajaguru: Former North West Union secretary; his formal suspension was issued on July 21 by Virudhunagar Central District secretary P. Chinnappar.
- Lakshmanan: The party functionary targeted by the Minister's reported threats.
- K. Jagadeshwari: Current Social Welfare Minister and the primary figure in the recording.
History of Administrative Friction
This incident follows a previous administrative dispute involving the Minister. Ms. Jagadeshwari recently lodged a formal complaint with Virudhunagar Collector N.O. Sukhaputra regarding protocol. She expressed dissatisfaction that her name appeared below her cabinet colleague, S. Keerthana, on official materials, asserting her status as the primary local Minister for the Virudhunagar district. This latest audio leak further highlights ongoing tensions within the regional leadership structure.
Source: The Hindu — Cities
