Janata Party president Subramanian Swamy has done it again. He recently released a CD containing the tapped and taped conversation between Tamil Nadu Minister for Social Welfare Poongothai and the Director of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption S K Upadhyay, relating to a pending corruption probe against her relative, an assistant electrical engineer, in the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB). Poongothai had pleaded with Upadhyay to get the case diluted and sent back to the TNEB for ordinary disciplinary proceedings instead of the pending criminal prosecution.

Poongothai admitted that she had indeed spoken to the Vigilance Chief. According to her, she had called the official only to know the status of the case and not to influence the course of the investigation. .

The Chief Minister has informed the State Assembly that Poongothai had handed over her resignation letter to him and that it was under his consideration. In the same breath, he said it was improper to have tried to influence a top vigilance official to help someone facing a corruption case. However no decision has been taken as yet by the chief minister on her resignation.

In her resignation letter, Poongothai has admitted that what she did was a mistake. Of course, another phone tapping issue is already being inquired into by a Commission. This might also be handed over to the same Commission. But, that is hardly the issue. This involves several moral and ethical elements. This is obviously a case of misuse of his or her office by an 'honourable' Minister.

Replying to Deputy Leader of AIADMK Legislature Party O Panneerselvam, who raised the issue in the House charging the Minister with misusing her power, Karunanidhi said he felt ashamed over the Minister's action.

By now, the axe should have fallen. One fails to appreciate the delay. The Chief Minister should not only accept her resignation forthwith, but also initiate action against her for trying to influence a senior official.