Chennai: Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) MLA Arul Vignesh has rejected allegations that he sent inappropriate WhatsApp messages to Kallakurichi District Collector J.E. Padmaja (IAS: 2017: TN) and harassed the IAS officer, calling the claims rumours and accusing the opposition DMK of engaging in political attacks.
The controversy surfaced after DMK MP Kanimozhi raised the matter in a post on X on November 9, 2026, referring to allegations circulating on social media. Vignesh responded to the claims on Tuesday, November 10, denying any wrongdoing.
The MLA represents the Kallakurichi Assembly constituency.
What Did Kanimozhi Allege?
In her social media post, Kanimozhi referred to reports alleging that Vignesh had:
- Sent obscene or inappropriate text messages to Kallakurichi District Collector J.E. Padmaja.
- Visited the Collector’s residence while allegedly under the influence of alcohol.
- Harassed the district administration’s senior officer.
- Prompted the deployment of a dedicated security officer for the Collector.
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Kanimozhi raised these claims while referring to reports circulating on social media.
Arul Vignesh Rejects Allegations
Responding to the controversy, Vignesh denied sending inappropriate messages or engaging in any misconduct.
He questioned the allegation that he had entered the Collector’s residence, pointing out that the premises were guarded by security personnel and equipped with CCTV cameras.
He also said he was willing to undergo a test to demonstrate that he had done nothing wrong, although he did not specify the nature of the test.
The MLA further alleged that the controversy was part of a misinformation campaign being circulated by the DMK’s IT wing.
Tamil Nadu Minister Assures Impartial Investigation
Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Rajmohan said the allegations would be examined thoroughly and impartially.
He stated that formal proceedings would begin once an official complaint was received. He also said that the government would take action without discrimination if the allegations were substantiated.
The minister reiterated that the Vijay-led government would follow a zero-tolerance approach towards harassment, irrespective of the political affiliation or position of the person accused.
Allegations Yet to Be Established
The controversy has brought attention to allegations involving an elected representative and a serving district collector. However, the claims and the MLA’s denial remain competing public statements at this stage.
The minister’s remarks indicate that an official inquiry would depend on the receipt of a formal complaint.
Who is J.E. Padmaja?
J.E. Padmaja is a 2017-batch IAS officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre. She is currently serving as the District Collector of Kallakurichi, having assumed charge on May 31, 2026. Before her current appointment, she served as an Assistant Collector and Deputy Secretary to the Tamil Nadu government in the Protocol Department.
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