The DMK, AIADMK and BJP on Saturday separately met Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, seeking constitutional intervention over allegations of horse-trading, misuse of state machinery and the alleged participation of the Chief Minister’s advisers in Cabinet meetings under the TVK government.
The three parties submitted separate memoranda outlining their grievances and urged the Governor to examine what they described as serious irregularities in the functioning of the state government.
DMK Flags Alleged Misuse Of Power
A DMK delegation led by organisational secretary R.S. Bharathi alleged that the ruling dispensation was attempting to engineer defections by using police machinery and other state agencies against opposition legislators.
According to a statement issued by Governor Arlekar, the memorandum accused the government of illegal arrests, custodial coercion and offering inducements to elected representatives to switch political allegiance. It also questioned the participation of individuals who were not elected representatives in official government meetings.
“The memorandum urged immediate constitutional intervention, an independent enquiry, and appropriate action to safeguard democratic institutions,” the Governor said in a post on X.
Speaking to reporters after meeting the Governor, Bharathi alleged that Chief Minister Vijay’s advisers, John Arokiyasamy and Vishnu Reddy, wielded influence that extended beyond their official roles.
“We explained to the Governor about horse-trading and the misuse of power in Tamil Nadu. John and Vishnu Reddy appear to have more authority than ministers. They attend high-level meetings and issue directions to officials. We had already submitted a petition earlier, but as the Governor was away, we met him today to reiterate our concerns,” Bharathi said.
He further alleged that attempts had been made to lure several DMK legislators, including Tiruchendur MLA Anitha R. Radhakrishnan, through intimidation, legal pressure and financial inducements. Bharathi also claimed the MLA’s arrest in a case linked to alleged derogatory remarks against Chief Minister Vijay reflected political misuse of power.
Earlier Complaint Against Vijay
Earlier this week, the DMK had urged the Governor to order the registration of an FIR against TVK chief Vijay over alleged attempts to poach party MLAs.
The complaint cited statements made by MDMK general secretary Vaiko, who claimed Vijay had personally approached two DMK legislators and offered them financial support to contest by-elections if they resigned from the Assembly.
AIADMK, BJP Submit Separate Petitions
The AIADMK also sought the Governor’s intervention, alleging horse-trading, engineered resignations of MLAs and the participation of non-elected individuals in Cabinet meetings. The party requested that the Governor invoke Article 167 of the Constitution to seek an explanation from the state government.
In a separate memorandum, the BJP alleged that Chief Minister’s advisers John Arokiyasamy and Vishnu Reddy attended a recent Cabinet meeting in violation of established protocol. The party also sought an inquiry into Higher Education Minister P. Vishwanathan over allegations of inappropriate behaviour involving a minor.
TVK Rejects Allegations
Responding to the opposition’s charges, the ruling TVK said John Arokiyasamy and Vishnu Reddy were no longer private individuals, having been formally appointed as Special Advisers to the Chief Minister, and were therefore authorised to participate in government proceedings.
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