DMK demands independent probe into book procurement for Periyar Arivulagam

Govi. Chezhiaan. | Photo Credit: C. VENKATACHALAPATHY The DMK on Friday (November 6, 2026) demanded an investigation by an independent agency into the allegations of irregularities in the procurement of books for the Periyar Arivulagam in Coimbatore and legal action against those responsible.Author Perumal Murugan had alleged that a large number of books containing false information published by little known authors had been placed on the selves of the recently opened Periyar Arivulagam library. While Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay blamed the erstwhile DMK government for the issue, former Higher Education Minister Govi. Chezhiaan issued a statement pointing out that the DMK regime had come out with a “Transparent Book Procurement Policy.”‘A proper review’“Holding the office of Chief Minister and possessing the authority to review every government record in a matter of seconds, Mr. Vijay should have conducted a proper review once the controversy regarding the procurement of books for the Periyar Arivulagam emerged. It does not appear that he acted responsibly. It was the DMK government that initially created the ‘Transparent Book Procurement Policy’ to ensure that books procured for libraries are of high quality, and transparency is maintained,” he said.“During the previous DMK rule, we formed a book recommendation committee comprising esteemed authors and academics to ensure quality books would be placed in the grand library coming up in Coimbatore. Perumal Murugan, who wrote the piece exposing the book irregularities, was himself a member of that book recommendation committee,” the former Minister pointed out.Furthermore, questioning whether any such flaws had ever surfaced in DMK initiatives such as the Anna Centenary Library and the Kalaignar Centenary Library, Mr. Chezhiaan demanded an independent probe into the matter.‘Ulterior motive’“Since such news has emerged under the TVK regime, which functions solely with the intent of undermining DMK’s initiatives, one is compelled to consider whether an ulterior motive or conspiracy is at play. The background of the specific books, their authors, and the authorised publishers must be publicly disclosed. An investigation must be conducted through an independent body. Legal action against those involved in this malpractice is imperative,” Mr. Chezhiaan added. Published - November 06, 2026 11:29 pm IST