The AIADMK on Wednesday claimed credit for the execution of Keeladi excavation during April-August 2018.
In a statement, former Revenue Minister and the Puratchi Thalaivi Peravi’s secretary, R.B. Udhayakumar, recalled that it was when Edappadi K. Palaniswami was Chief Minister that a sum of ₹ 55 lakh was sanctioned for the excavation. The work had yielded 5,820 antiquities. Subsequently, ₹ 12.21 crore was set apart for establishing a world-class site museum.
Addressing members of the ruling DMK, Mr Udhayakumar said “If you have any doubt, please ascertain the factual position from Principal Secretary (Finance) T. Udhayachandran, who had overseen the excavation then.” The former Minister responded to observations of the DMK members on the issue wherein, according to Mr Udhayakumar, the ruling party had tried to suppress truth.
On the issue of seeking clarifications on the Keeladi work, the former Minister said that the Union government had sought more information by way of ensuring “additional corroboration.” He added that “if the Keeladi report is rejected, the AIADMK will be the first party to express its voice of protest.”
Published – June 18, 2025 09:30 pm IST
