Three people have been arrested after a TVK MLA alleged he was offered ₹35 crore and threatened in an attempt to influence his stand in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, triggering a fresh political slugfest between the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and the opposition DMK.
The controversy erupted after TVK legislator N. Ilayaraja alleged that he was approached by a man identified as Thirunavukkarasu, who claimed to represent a political consultancy, and was offered ₹35 crore to vote in a particular manner during a proposed Assembly resolution. Ilayaraja said he rejected the offer and later filed a police complaint, alleging that he and his family were threatened after refusing to cooperate.
Based on the complaint, Tamil Nadu Police registered a case and arrested Thirunavukkarasu, Naresh and Thiyagarajan. The investigation is underway.
TVK alleges bid to poach MLAs
The political row intensified after TVK minister Nirmal Kumar alleged that several party MLAs had been approached with offers ranging from ₹10 crore to ₹50 crore to switch allegiance. Kumar claimed the alleged attempts were made by people linked to senior DMK leader Senthil Balaji and further alleged that they were carried out with the knowledge of DMK president M.K. Stalin and Udhayanidhi Stalin.
He also alleged that one of the MLAs was threatened after refusing the offer and urged the opposition leaders to stop what he described as attempts to destabilise the government.
- The DMK has denied the allegations.
- Police probe alleged political links
According to police sources, investigators are examining the alleged links of the arrested accused with political figures.
Sources said one of the accused, Naresh, was allegedly in regular contact with Ashok Kumar, the brother of Senthil Balaji, regarding the legislators who were to be approached and the amount allegedly to be offered. Police are verifying these claims as part of the ongoing investigation.
Investigators are also probing allegations that the accused informed Ilayaraja that a no-confidence motion would be brought in the Assembly before allegedly offering him ₹35 crore and later threatening him after he declined.
DMK seeks probe into TVK
The DMK countered the allegations by accusing the ruling TVK of attempting to engineer defections from the opposition.
The party has submitted complaints to the Tamil Nadu Governor and the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), seeking registration of an FIR and an independent probe into alleged attempts to induce two DMK MLAs to resign.
The opposition also cited recent remarks by MDMK leader Vaiko, alleging they pointed to inducements offered by the ruling party, and demanded a comprehensive investigation into the allegations.
Vijay chairs alliance meeting
Amid the controversy, Chief Minister Joseph C. Vijay held the first meeting of the TVK-led alliance since taking office. Leaders of the Congress, VCK, IUML and MDMK attended the meeting, while CPI and CPI(M), which are extending outside support to the government, also participated.
According to sources, the discussions focused on maintaining the stability of the coalition government and ensuring it completes its full five-year term.
AIADMK removes senior leader
In a separate development, the AIADMK removed former minister S. Valarmathi from her post as organising secretary amid speculation that she and several other party leaders could join the ruling TVK. Reports have suggested that a number of former AIADMK ministers and functionaries are considering switching to TVK, although there has been no official confirmation.
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