DMK treasurer T.R. Baalu on Sunday joined issue with AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami who had criticised the DMK for accepting electoral bonds from Future Gaming and Hotel Services.
“The DMK has been transparent in sharing information to the Election Commission of India, and there was nothing to hide,” Mr. Baalu said. As for Mr. Palaniswami’s contention whether it was appropriate to receive funds from a specific company, Mr. Baalu said: “The company was not given any concession during this government.”
Recalling that the legislation brought in by the erstwhile AIADMK government banning online gaming was struck down by the Madras High Court, he said that the DMK government had enacted a stronger legislation. “It was Governor R.N. Ravi who delayed the Bill without granting assent. He sent it back. We adopted it again and resent it. We got the assent. The Governor met representatives from online gaming companies. Did [Mr.] Palaniswami condemn the Governor then?,” Mr. Baalu asked.
