A major political controversy has erupted in Tamil Nadu after the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and the opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) accused each other of attempting to influence legislators through alleged horse-trading.
The row intensified following the arrest of three individuals in connection with an alleged cash-for-vote operation involving TVK MLA N. Elaiyaraja, who claimed he was offered up to ₹35 crore to support a proposed no-confidence motion against the Speaker in the Tamil Nadu Assembly.
MLA Alleges ₹35 Crore Offer
According to the complaint filed by Elaiyaraja with the Greater Chennai Police Commissioner on June 29, a man identified as Thirunavukkarasu approached him claiming to represent a political consulting organisation called Indian Political Democratic Strategies (IPDS).
The MLA alleged that he was asked to vote in favour of a proposed no-confidence motion against Speaker JCD Prabhakar and was promised up to ₹35 crore in return.
Police subsequently registered a case at the D1 Triplicane Police Station and arrested Thirunavukkarasu, Naresh from Tiruchirappalli and Thiyagarajan from Chennai.
Police Investigation
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Chennai Police said that investigations revealed Naresh had met V. Ashok Kumar, brother of DMK leader V. Senthil Balaji, in Chennai shortly before the alleged incident.
Police further stated that preliminary investigations suggested Thirunavukkarasu allegedly contacted the MLA following instructions from Senthil Balaji and Ashok Kumar. The investigation remains ongoing.
TVK Targets DMK
Tamil Nadu Energy Minister R. Nirmal Kumar accused the DMK leadership of attempting to poach TVK legislators.
He alleged that TVK had repeatedly warned about efforts to influence its MLAs over the past several weeks and claimed the accused individuals were connected to Senthil Balaji and his brother.
TVK also alleged that IPDS was being operated by Senthil Balaji, an allegation that has not been established in court.
DMK Rejects Allegations
The DMK strongly denied the accusations and countered by alleging that the ruling TVK itself was involved in attempts to win over opposition legislators.
The party referred to recent remarks by MDMK leader Vaiko, who reportedly claimed that Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay had tried to persuade two MLAs to switch sides.
DMK organising secretary R.S. Bharathi urged Governor R.V. Arlekar to order an independent investigation by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC). He called for the registration of an FIR and a thorough probe into all allegations.
Political Tensions Escalate
The controversy comes days after the MDMK exited the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) and announced support for the ruling TVK, adding to the political tension in the state.
Meanwhile, Minister Nirmal Kumar dismissed the DMK’s counter-allegations, saying the opposition was attempting to divert attention from the ongoing investigation.
