COIMBATORE — Tamil Nadu Revenue Minister K. A. Sengottaiyan responded to opposition allegations of financial irregularities in the Semmozhi Park project on July 18, 2026. The allegations, which centered on claims of a Rs 40-crore corruption scam raised during a Coimbatore Corporation Council meeting, prompted the minister to clarify that the purported irregularities occurred under the previous government’s administration.

Sengottaiyan stated that the current administration has taken several steps in recent days to address concerns related to the project. He confirmed that certain tenders associated with the Race Course area have been placed on hold due to estimates that exceeded expected costs. The minister emphasized that tenders cannot be canceled without valid justification and that any final decision would be grounded in proper reasoning.

Asserting the government’s commitment to transparency, Sengottaiyan said Chief Minister Vijay is closely monitoring governance to prevent irregularities during his tenure. He added that where inflated estimates have been submitted, the Chief Minister would make appropriate and transparent decisions. These remarks were part of the minister’s broader defense against opposition critiques tied to municipal spending and procurement practices.

In addition to addressing the Semmozhi Park matter, Sengottaiyan commented on a separate development involving private omni bus operators, who recently announced they would align their fares with those of government-run buses. He described the move as a positive change that would spare passengers from paying excessive fares. The minister tied this fare adjustment to the broader theme of public accountability and service improvement under the current administration.

During the exchange, opposition leaders made a political remark claiming that “even Palani has been shaved bald.” In response, Sengottaiyan said, “time will reveal who actually shaved Palani bald,” framing the comment as a deflection from substantive governance issues.