TVK MLA alleges Rs 30 crore offer to vote against government
A political controversy has intensified in Tamil Nadu after TVK Madurai Central MLA Madhar Badhurudeen, popularly known as Mustafa, alleged that AIADMK functionaries approached him with an offer of up to Rs 30 crore to vote against the government in a possible no-confidence motion.
Mustafa claimed that the individuals contacted him over the phone and proposed an initial payment of Rs 15 crore, with the remaining amount to be paid when the motion was brought forward. He said he had informed the TVK leadership about the alleged approach.
The allegation comes amid an ongoing investigation into claims of attempts to lure legislators from the ruling party.
Separately, TVK senior leader and Minister R Nirmalkumar accused the DMK and AIADMK of attempting to influence ruling party MLAs ahead of upcoming by-elections.
Speaking to reporters in Madurai, Nirmalkumar alleged that the two opposition parties were offering legislators between Rs 60 crore and Rs 70 crore. He also claimed that money trails linked to the alleged operations were emerging in Bengaluru.
The AIADMK strongly rejected the accusations, calling them unfounded and warning that legal action could be taken against ministers and legislators making such statements.
Senior AIADMK leader RB Udhayakumar accused TVK leaders of using the allegations to divert attention from their own alleged corruption. He dismissed claims of a conspiracy to topple the government as politically motivated and said Mustafa was fabricating stories.
Udhayakumar also questioned the government over alleged electricity purchase agreements involving rates of Rs 37 and Rs 41.50 per unit, contrasting them with the Rs 12.50 per unit reportedly paid by Kerala.
He urged ministers to concentrate on public issues rather than engage in political accusations, adding that the AIADMK would seek power through democratic means.