A significant political controversy has erupted in Tamil Nadu, less than two months after Joseph C Vijay assumed the role of Chief Minister. The ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has leveled serious allegations against the opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), accusing individuals linked to senior DMK leaders of attempting to destabilize the government by offering substantial sums, up to ₹50 crore, to its Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs).
The controversy escalated with the arrest of three individuals on Wednesday, following a complaint by TVK MLA N Ilayaraja. Ilayaraja claimed he was offered ₹35 crore to influence his vote during a proposed Assembly resolution. According to his complaint, a man identified as Thirunavukkarasu, claiming to represent a firm called Indian Political Democratic Strategies, made the offer. After rejecting the offer, Ilayaraja alleged he and his family received threats, leading him to file a police complaint. Police subsequently arrested Thirunavukkarasu and two associates, Naresh and Thiyagarajan.
TVK Points Finger at DMK Leadership
The ruling party intensified its accusations, with TVK minister Nirmal Kumar directly implicating senior DMK leaders. Kumar alleged that Senthil Balaji, with the explicit permission of DMK President M K Stalin and deputy leader Udhayanidhi Stalin, had contacted multiple TVK MLAs over the past 40 days, offering between ₹10 crore and ₹50 crore to switch allegiance. "Stalin, Udhayanidhi and Senthil Balaji should stop doing this lowly business," Kumar stated.
Investigation Uncovers Alleged Links
Sources indicate that investigators are examining alleged direct links between one of the arrested accused, Naresh, and Senthil Balaji's brother, Ashok Kumar. Police are probing claims that Naresh regularly discussed the amounts to be offered and the specific MLAs to be approached. Furthermore, the investigation is looking into allegations that the accused informed Ilayaraja about an impending no-confidence motion in the Assembly and offered him ₹35 crore for a specific vote.
DMK Counters with Its Own Allegations
The DMK has vehemently denied all accusations, hitting back with counter-allegations that Vijay's TVK is attempting to engineer defections from its own ranks. The opposition party has submitted complaints to the Tamil Nadu Governor and the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), demanding an FIR and a thorough investigation into alleged attempts by Chief Minister Vijay to induce two DMK MLAs to resign. The DMK also referenced remarks by MDMK leader Vaiko, who recently left the DMK alliance to back TVK, suggesting that Vijay had promised financial assistance to legislators willing to contest by-elections. The DMK has called for an impartial probe, accusing the ruling camp of criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, and corrupt practices.
Vijay Convenes Alliance Partners
In response to the escalating political crisis, Chief Minister Vijay convened a crucial meeting of alliance partners in Chennai on Wednesday. Representatives from Congress, VCK, IUML, and MDMK attended, alongside CPI and CPI(M), who provide outside support to the government. Discussions focused on strategies to ensure the stability of the government and to complete its full five-year term.
In the April 23 Assembly elections, TVK emerged as the single-largest party with 108 seats, falling short of the 118-seat majority. The government was formed with the support of Congress (5 seats), VCK (2 seats), and IUML (2 seats). CPI and CPI(M), with two MLAs each, extended unconditional outside support, while MDMK, also with two legislators, now backs the TVK government.