Chennai: A political controversy has erupted in Tamil Nadu after DMK MP Kanimozhi raised allegations that TVK MLA Arul Vignesh had sent obscene WhatsApp messages to Kallakurichi District Collector JE Padmaja and harassed her. The legislator has rejected the accusations, describing them as rumours and alleging that the DMK was attempting to target him through a misinformation campaign.

Vignesh, who represents the Kallakurichi Assembly constituency, responded to the allegations on Tuesday. He denied sending inappropriate messages or visiting the Collector’s residence to harass her. He also questioned how he could have entered the official residence, which he said was protected by security personnel and monitored by CCTV cameras.

The controversy began after Kanimozhi referred to reports circulating on social media in a post on X on Monday. She cited claims that the MLA had sent obscene messages to the district official, visited her residence while intoxicated and harassed her. These allegations have not been independently established in the information available so far.

Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Rajmohan has said the matter would be investigated impartially if an official complaint is received. He also warned that strict action would follow if the allegations were substantiated.

Arul Vignesh denies allegations, calls them rumours

Responding to the controversy on Tuesday, Vignesh categorically denied the allegations and said he had not engaged in any inappropriate conduct involving the Kallakurichi Collector.

He questioned the claims about visiting her residence, pointing out that the premises had security guards and CCTV cameras.

“Everyone came to know of the rumours. I am clearly saying that I have not done anything. Rumours are rumours. It is not true. MP (DMK MP Kanimozhi) alleged that I did this. The Collector’s bungalow has security guards and CCTV. How can I enter there?” he said.

The MLA also expressed his willingness to undergo a test to establish that he had done nothing wrong. However, he did not specify what kind of test he was referring to.

Appealing to political leaders not to turn the matter into a political confrontation, Vignesh said elected representatives should focus on public service rather than responding to rumours.

“Don’t do this dirty politics. We are here to serve people, not to answer such rumours,” he added.

He further alleged that the reports were part of a misinformation campaign being circulated by the DMK’s IT wing. He did not provide details or evidence to support that allegation.

What did Kanimozhi allege?

The controversy gained political attention after Kanimozhi raised the issue in a post on X on Monday. The DMK MP referred to reports circulating on social media about the conduct of the TVK legislator towards the Kallakurichi District Collector.

In her post, she cited claims that Vignesh had sent obscene text messages to JE Padmaja, visited her residence while allegedly intoxicated and harassed her. She also referred to reports that a dedicated security officer had subsequently been assigned to the Collector.

“Reports are circulating on social media that TVK MLA Arul Vignesh sent obscene text messages to the District Collector of Kallakurichi, went to the collector’s home while drunk and harassed her, and that a dedicated security officer was subsequently assigned to the collector,” Kanimozhi wrote.

Her post brought the allegations into the political spotlight, prompting a response from Vignesh and comments from the ruling government.

However, Kanimozhi’s post referred to reports circulating on social media. The claims should therefore be treated as allegations rather than established facts. No official confirmation of the alleged messages, visit or harassment has been provided in the information available so far.

The reported assignment of additional security to the Collector has also not been independently confirmed in the material provided.

Tamil Nadu minister promises impartial investigation

Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Rajmohan responded to the controversy on Tuesday, assuring that the government would not show favouritism while dealing with allegations against elected representatives.

He said a thorough investigation would be conducted once an official complaint was received and that the government would take appropriate action based on the findings.

“Under our CM’s administration, if an allegation is levelled against anyone, a thorough investigation will be conducted, and action will be taken without partiality,” Rajmohan told reporters.

The minister also stressed that the Vijay-led government followed a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment. He said the accused person’s political affiliation or position would not influence the investigation.

According to Rajmohan, strict legal action would follow if the allegations were found to be true.

His statement came amid demands for clarity over the claims and Vignesh’s denial. The minister’s remarks indicate that the government expects the matter to proceed through formal channels rather than relying solely on claims circulated on social media.

Political controversy awaits further clarity

The allegations have created a fresh political confrontation between the DMK and the TVK, with the MLA accusing the opposition party of spreading misinformation and Kanimozhi drawing attention to reports concerning a serving district official.

At this stage, the key claims remain disputed. Kanimozhi has cited social media reports, while Vignesh has denied wrongdoing and accused the DMK’s IT wing of running a misinformation campaign. The government has said an impartial inquiry will be conducted after an official complaint is received.

Further clarity is expected from the authorities on whether a formal complaint has been filed and whether an investigation has been initiated. Until then, the allegations against the MLA and his counterclaims remain unverified.