Tamil Novelist Perumal Murugan Alleges Major Irregularities in Coimbatore Library Book Purchases

Tamil novelist Perumal Murugan has alleged serious irregularities in book purchases for the Periyar Arivulagam public library in Coimbatore. Chief Minister Joseph Vijay inaugurated the seven-storey library, built across seven acres at a cost of nearly Rs 300 crore.

Library Findings

Inside the library, Murugan found nearly 1,800 Tamil books from Agalvilakku Publishing House on the fourth floor. A 300-page volume titled 'Naladiyar: A Guide to Life' by Surya Balu cost Rs 1,445, whereas other publishers charge about Rs 350 for similar lengths. The book described the Jain ascetic text's collection of verses as songs by an individual poet and philosophical sage. Another volume attributed 'Madurai Kanchi' to a king named Madurai Koozhathi Peruvazhuthi instead of the actual poet Mangudi Maruthanar. Murugan also found a book attributing a story to Bharathiyar, a photograph of a large Nandi presented as a Keeladi sculpture, and incorrect names listed as the state's first Chief Minister in 1947.

Allegations And Response

Murugan alleged that publishers were created specifically to supply the library using underdeveloped Artificial Intelligence to produce books under fake author names with false ISBNs and missing mobile numbers. Chief Minister Joseph Vijay praised Murugan for exposing the alleged procurement corruption and accused the previous DMK government of corruption. Vijay noted that Murugan had served on a committee recommending modern literature for new libraries constituted under a government order on November 5, 2025. DMK leader and former minister Govi Chezhiyan accused Vijay of using the allegations for political ends, stating the DMK introduced a transparent procurement policy and demanding an independent investigation.

Context

Public libraries in Tamil Nadu receive government funding and procurement oversight to ensure literary quality and proper use of public funds. Controversies over book selections often highlight the intersection of cultural institutions, political administration, and public expenditure.