newspop
New Delhi : Tamil Nadu politics has been thrown into turmoil after a sensational ₹35 crore cash-for-vote allegation triggered a bitter war of words between the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and the opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). The controversy has intensified following the arrest of three individuals in an alleged attempt to influence a TVK legislator ahead of a proposed no-confidence motion against the Speaker.
The row began after TVK MLA N. Elaiyaraja filed a complaint with the Greater Chennai Police, alleging that he was offered up to ₹35 crore to vote in favour of a no-confidence motion against Assembly Speaker JCD Prabhakar. According to the complaint, a man identified as Thirunavukkarasu, claiming to represent Indian Political Democratic Strategies (IPDS), approached the MLA with the offer.
Acting on the complaint, Chennai Police registered a case and arrested Thirunavukkarasu, Naresh from Tiruchirappalli, and Thiyagarajan from Chennai. Police said the investigation is ongoing and revealed that Naresh had reportedly met V. Ashok Kumar, brother of DMK leader V. Senthil Balaji, shortly before the alleged incident. Investigators also claimed preliminary findings suggest Thirunavukkarasu contacted the MLA after receiving instructions from Senthil Balaji and Ashok Kumar. These allegations are under investigation and have not been proven in court.
The ruling TVK has accused the DMK of orchestrating a large-scale horse-trading operation to destabilise the government. Energy Minister R. Nirmal Kumar claimed the party had repeatedly warned about attempts to lure its MLAs and alleged that the accused were linked to Senthil Balaji and his associates.
The DMK has categorically denied all allegations, calling them politically motivated. Instead, the opposition accused the ruling TVK of trying to poach opposition legislators. Citing recent remarks by MDMK leader Vaiko, the DMK alleged that Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay had attempted to persuade two MLAs to switch sides. The party has demanded an independent probe by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) and urged Governor R.V. Arlekar to ensure a fair investigation.
The controversy comes at a politically sensitive time, just days after the MDMK exited the DMK-led alliance and extended support to the ruling TVK. With both parties levelling serious accusations, the outcome of the police investigation is expected to have significant political implications in Tamil Nadu.
