TVK Alleges ₹35-Crore Bid to Poach MLAs, Says Threats Issued; Three Arrested

Tamil Nadu politics was rocked by allegations of an attempt to destabilise.

The ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government after three people were arrested in connection with an alleged bid to bribe and threaten party MLAs. The accusations come less than two months after Chief Minister Joseph C. Vijay assumed office.

The controversy began after TVK MLA N. Ilayaraja alleged that he was offered ₹35 crore to influence his vote during a proposed resolution in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. According to his complaint, a man identified as Thirunavukkarasu, claiming to represent a political consultancy, approached him with the offer. The legislator also alleged that he and his family were threatened after he refused.

Acting on the complaint, Tamil Nadu Police arrested Thirunavukkarasu and two others, Naresh and Thiyagarajan, and launched an investigation into the alleged horse-trading attempt.

TVK accuses DMK leaders

The political row escalated after TVK minister Nirmal Kumar alleged that individuals linked to the opposition DMK had approached several TVK MLAs with offers ranging from ₹10 crore to ₹50 crore to switch sides.

He claimed senior DMK leader Senthil Balaji was behind the outreach and further alleged that the exercise had the knowledge of DMK president M.K. Stalin and Udhayanidhi Stalin. Kumar also alleged that one TVK MLA was threatened after refusing the offer.

The DMK has not accepted the allegations.

Probe into alleged links

Police sources said investigators are examining the alleged role of the accused and their possible political connections. According to the investigation, one of the arrested men, Naresh, was allegedly in contact with Ashok Kumar, the brother of Senthil Balaji.

Investigators are also probing claims that the accused told Ilayaraja a no-confidence motion would be moved in the Assembly and allegedly offered him ₹35 crore to vote in a particular manner. Police are verifying these allegations as part of the ongoing probe.

DMK hits back

The DMK responded by accusing the ruling TVK of attempting to engineer defections from its own ranks. The party has approached the Tamil Nadu Governor and the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), seeking an FIR and an independent investigation into allegations that TVK tried to induce two DMK MLAs to resign.

The opposition also cited recent remarks by MDMK leader Vaiko, who has extended support to the Vijay-led government, while alleging that inducements were offered to facilitate bypoll victories. The DMK has demanded a comprehensive and impartial investigation into all allegations.

First alliance meeting after forming government

Amid the political controversy, Chief Minister Vijay chaired the first meeting of the TVK-led alliance since assuming 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, discussions centred on maintaining the stability of the coalition government and ensuring it completes its full five-year term.

AIADMK removes senior leader

Separately, the opposition AIADMK relieved former minister S. Valarmathi of her responsibilities as an organising secretary amid speculation that she and several other party leaders could join the ruling TVK.

Reports have also suggested that a number of former AIADMK ministers and functionaries are considering switching allegiance to the Vijay-led party, though no official announcement has been made.