Chennai, Jul 23 (IANS): DMK leader M.K. Stalin on Monday urged Governor Banwarilal Purohit for a probe under the Prevention of Corruption Act against Chief Minister K. Palaniswami for alleged favouritism in the award of highway contracts.

In a memorandum submitted to the Governor, Stalin referred to this month's Income Tax Department searches at the premises of the SPK group of companies promoted by Nagarajan Seyyadurai and the seizure of unaccounted Rs 180 crore and about 105 kg gold.

Stalin said that Seyyadurai is also a partner in Venkatachalapathy and Company run by P. Subramaniam, who is the father-in-law of the Chief Minister's son Mithun.

According to the memorandum, Subramaniam, Seyyadurai and Sekar Reddy (also under the IT scanner) are partners in Balaji Tollways Pvt Ltd, which along with Vekatachalapathy and Company and SPK and Company have been awarded road building contracts worth Rs 3,120 crore.

Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly Stalin in the memorandum said Palaniswami holds the portfolio of Highways and Minor Ports Department.

The DMK leader alleged that Palaniswami had "violated the oath of office" to work as per the Constitution and law without fear or favour.

Speaking to reporters here, Stalin said that Purohit had assured that the memorandum would be forwarded to the central government.

Stalin said that the party will approach the courts if action was not taken on their demand.