TVK and DMK exchange fresh allegations over horse-trading
Political tensions intensified in Tamil Nadu after fresh allegations of horse-trading surfaced between the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and the opposition DMK.
TVK leader and minister R. Nirmal Kumar accused the DMK leadership of attempting to lure legislators from his party.
The dispute follows remarks by MDMK leader Vaiko, who recently shifted his party’s support from the DMK-led alliance to the TVK. Citing Vaiko’s public comments, DMK Organising Secretary R.S. Bharathi alleged that Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay had encouraged efforts to persuade two DMK MLAs to resign and seek re-election with TVK backing.
According to Bharathi, such assurances amounted to an attempt to induce legislators to switch political loyalties.
The allegations come shortly after police arrested three individuals in connection with an alleged ₹35-crore cash-for-vote operation. Investigators claim the accused attempted to influence a TVK MLA ahead of a proposed no-confidence motion against Assembly Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar. Police said one of those arrested had close links with senior DMK leader V. Senthil Balaji and his brother.
Responding to the allegations, TVK’s Nirmal Kumar denied that any inducements were offered and maintained that the MDMK had voluntarily decided to support the ruling party.
Former AIADMK minister M.S.M. Anandan, who is preparing to join the TVK, also rejected claims of political inducement, saying his decision was based solely on confidence in the party’s leadership and vision.