Defections Trigger Political Row As DMK, AIADMK, BJP Meet Tamil Nadu Governor

The DMK, AIADMK and BJP on Saturday separately met Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, seeking his intervention over.

Allegations of horse-trading, misuse of state machinery and the participation of the Chief Minister’s advisers in Cabinet meetings under the TVK government.

Each party submitted a memorandum outlining its concerns and urged the Governor to take constitutional action over what they described as serious violations of democratic and administrative norms.

DMK Alleges Horse-Trading, Misuse Of Police

A DMK delegation led by organisational secretary R.S. Bharathi accused the state government of attempting to engineer defections by misusing police machinery and exerting pressure on opposition legislators.

According to a statement issued by the Governor, the party’s memorandum alleged illegal arrests, custodial coercion and inducements aimed at persuading elected representatives to switch allegiance. It also questioned the participation of individuals without elected office in official government meetings.

“The memorandum urged immediate constitutional intervention, an independent enquiry, and appropriate action to safeguard democratic institutions,” Governor Arlekar said in a post on X.

Speaking after the meeting, Bharathi claimed that Chief Minister Vijay’s advisers, John Arokiyasamy and Vishnu Reddy, exercised influence disproportionate to their official positions.

“We met the Governor and explained the horse-trading and misuse of power in Tamil Nadu. John and Vishnu Reddy, who are not ministers, appear to wield more authority than Cabinet members. They attend high-level meetings and issue directions to officials. We had already submitted a petition earlier, but since the Governor was away, we met him today to reiterate our concerns,” he said.

Bharathi further alleged that attempts had been made to lure several DMK MLAs, including Tiruchendur legislator Anitha R. Radhakrishnan, through intimidation, legal pressure and financial inducements. He also claimed the MLA’s arrest in a case related to alleged derogatory remarks against Chief Minister Vijay amounted to political vendetta.

Earlier Complaint Against Vijay

The DMK had earlier approached the Governor seeking the registration of an FIR against TVK chief Vijay over alleged attempts to poach legislators.

Its complaint cited remarks made by MDMK general secretary Vaiko, who claimed Vijay had personally approached two DMK MLAs and offered financial support to contest by-elections if they resigned from the Assembly.

AIADMK, BJP Raise Similar Concerns

The AIADMK also urged the Governor to intervene, alleging attempts to engineer resignations of MLAs, horse-trading 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.

The BJP, in a separate representation, sought legal action over the presence of John Arokiyasamy and Vishnu Reddy at a recent Cabinet meeting, alleging it violated established protocol. The party also called for an inquiry into Higher Education Minister P. Vishwanathan over allegations of inappropriate behaviour involving a minor.

TVK Responds

Responding to the allegations, the ruling TVK rejected the opposition’s claims, maintaining that John Arokiyasamy and Vishnu Reddy had been officially appointed as Special Advisers to the Chief Minister and were therefore authorised to participate in government proceedings.