₹180 crore horse-trading plot to topple CM Vijay govt? Probe widens
Tamil Nadu politics has been hit by a major controversy after the investigation into an alleged attempt to poach ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam legislators expanded, with police claiming that a corporate entity had prepared a fund of nearly ₹180 crore for the alleged operation.
The latest development follows a complaint by TVK MLA N Ilaiyaraja, who alleged that he was offered ₹35 crore to influence his vote in connection with an Assembly move involving the Speaker. Police initially arrested three people in the case, while the investigation was later expanded and more suspects were taken into custody.
The ₹180 crore figure has now added a dramatic new dimension to the case. Reports citing the Greater Chennai Police investigation say a corporate company was allegedly involved in arranging funds for the suspected poaching operation. Investigators are also examining alleged meetings and financial arrangements connected with the case. These claims remain part of an ongoing investigation and have not yet been established through a final judicial finding.
₹35 crore offer allegation triggers major investigation
The controversy began after the TVK legislator alleged that he had been approached with a financial offer to influence his position during a politically important Assembly development.
According to reports, the alleged offer was linked to an attempt to influence voting connected with a proposed move against the Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker. Police action followed the complaint, and three people were initially arrested, while further detentions took the number of suspects under scrutiny higher.
The investigation has also examined claims that multiple TVK legislators may have been targeted. One report said police were investigating allegations of attempts to influence at least 15 ruling-party MLAs. The ruling TVK has accused political rivals of trying to destabilise the Vijay-led government. The opposition, however, has also made counter-allegations of political poaching against the ruling side, turning the controversy into a wider political battle.
Corporate link and ₹180 crore claim deepen controversy
The latest police claims suggest that the alleged operation may have involved more than individual political intermediaries. Reports citing investigators say a corporate firm allegedly helped finance accommodation and other expenses and had prepared a much larger fund of approximately ₹180 crore for the suspected plan.
Investigators are reportedly examining the financial trail, communication between suspects and the alleged role of intermediaries. The inquiry is also looking at meetings said to have taken place at hotels in Chennai and along the East Coast Road, according to reports based on the police investigation.
The ₹180 crore figure is particularly significant because the case had initially centred on an alleged ₹35 crore offer to one MLA. The possibility that a much larger pool of money was available has raised questions about whether the suspected operation was intended to target multiple legislators. However, the investigation remains active, and the allegations against political figures or corporate entities must be treated as claims under examination unless supported by charges, court findings or other conclusive evidence.
TVK and opposition trade accusations amid political tension
The controversy comes less than two months after C Joseph Vijay took office as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister following the 2026 Assembly election. Since then, political tensions have remained high, with both the ruling TVK and its rivals accusing each other of attempts to influence legislators.
The TVK has portrayed the alleged bribery attempt as part of a wider effort to destabilise its government. Opposition leaders have rejected such accusations and raised their own claims against the ruling side. This exchange of allegations has turned the investigation into one of the biggest political confrontations in Tamil Nadu since the new government took charge.
Police are continuing to examine the alleged money trail and the roles of those already arrested or detained. Further action could follow depending on the evidence collected during questioning and financial scrutiny. With the alleged ₹180 crore fund now at the centre of the investigation, the case is likely to remain a major political issue. The crucial question is whether investigators can establish a clear financial trail and produce evidence connecting the alleged funds with any coordinated attempt to influence legislators and destabilise the state government.
