Vijay's TVK alleges bid to poach MLAs with Rs 35-crore offer, threats; 3 arrested

Less than two months after Joseph C Vijay took over as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, allegations of an attempt to topple his government through horse-trading have rocked the state's politics. Three people were arrested on Wednesday and a TVK minister claimed that offers of up to Rs 50 crore were made by individuals linked to top DMK leaders to persuade TVK legislators to switch sides.

Amid the political storm following the allegations, Chief Minister Vijay convened a meeting of his alliance partners in Chennai on Wednesday, even as the DMK sought a probe into the horse-trading claims.

The controversy erupted after TVK MLA N Ilayaraja alleged that he was offered Rs 35 crore to influence his stand during a proposed Tamil Nadu Assembly resolution vote.

A person identified as Thirunavukkarasu allegedly contacted the MLA, claiming to represent a political firm called Indian Political Democratic Strategies and later offered money in exchange for support during the voting process.

The MLA rejected the offer and subsequently lodged a police complaint, claiming that he and his family were also threatened.

Based on the complaint, Tamil Nadu Police registered a case and arrested Thirunavukkarasu and two of his associates, identified as Naresh and Thiyagarajan.

TVK MINISTER FIRES AT DMK BRASS

The row intensified after TVK minister Nirmal Kumar alleged the involvement of the opposition DMK in the alleged horse-trading attempt.

He claimed that senior DMK leader Senthil Balaji had tried to contact several TVK MLAs and offered them up to Rs 50 crore. Kumar further claimed that these efforts were undertaken with the knowledge and approval of DMK president MK Stalin and deputy leader Udhayanidhi Stalin.

"Senthil Balaji, with the permission of Stalin and Udhayanidhi, has tried contacting several of our MLAs with offers ranging from Rs 10 crore to Rs 50 crore over the last 40 days. There is not a single MLA they haven't reached out to," Kumar said.

The minister alleged that DMK leaders had threatened one of the MLAs, who has since approached the police.

"Stalin, Udhayanidhi and Senthil Balaji should stop doing this lowly business," he added.

ACCUSED'S LINK TO SENTHIL BALAJI'S BROTHER

According to police, one of the accused, Naresh, was allegedly in direct contact with Senthil Balaji's brother, Ashok Kumar. Police sources claimed Naresh spoke to Ashok Kumar regularly regarding the amounts to be offered and the MLAs to be approached.

Sources added the accused told MLA Ilayaraja that a no-confidence motion would be brought in the Assembly and allegedly offered him Rs 35 crore to vote in a particular manner.

When the MLA refused, Thirunavukkarasu allegedly threatened to harm him and his family and warned him against speaking publicly about the matter.

Police said they are examining the alleged links and investigating all individuals connected to the case.

DMK'S COUNTERATTACK

The DMK, meanwhile, hit back with counter-allegations, accusing Vijay's party of making "systematic efforts" to overturn the electoral mandate through inducements.

The party has submitted complaints to the Tamil Nadu Governor and the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), seeking the registration of an FIR and a comprehensive probe into alleged attempts by Vijay to induce two DMK MLAs to resign.

The DMK also cited recent remarks by MDMK leader Vaiko, who recently snapped ties with the DMK and extended support to TVK, and alleged that Vijay had promised financial assistance to contest by-elections if MLAs resigned.

The opposition party alleged criminal conspiracy, abuse of office and corrupt practices, and called for an impartial investigation into the alleged horse-trading attempts.

TVK'S FIRST ALLIANCE MEETING

TVK hosted a meeting on Wednesday with its alliance partners -- Congress, VCK, IUML and MDMK -- along with CPI and CPI(M), which are extending outside support to the Vijay-led government.

This was the first such meeting since TVK assumed power with the backing of parties that had previously won seats as part of the DMK-led alliance.

According to sources, the discussions focused on ensuring the stability of the government and completing its full five-year term. Chief Minister Vijay was expected to discuss these issues with alliance leaders.

TVK emerged as the single-largest party by winning 108 seats in the April 23 Assembly elections, falling short of the 118-seat majority mark. Congress, with five MLAs, and VCK and IUML, with two MLAs each, joined the government. CPI and CPI(M), with two MLAs each, extended unconditional support. MDMK, which now backs TVK, also has two MLAs.

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