Tamil Nadu’s political confrontation has intensified after the opposition DMK submitted a fresh complaint to Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, accusing the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam of encouraging legislators from rival parties to resign and join its ranks. The DMK has sought a Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption probe, while TVK and its leaders have not accepted the opposition party’s allegations.
DMK plea cites Vijayabhaskar’s reported statement
The latest DMK plea reportedly refers to a media interaction involving former AIADMK minister and legislator M R Vijayabhaskar. According to the opposition party, Vijayabhaskar said TVK representatives had approached him and that he intended to join the ruling party after resigning from the Assembly.
The DMK described the reported statement as first-hand evidence supporting its allegation of political inducement. However, the remarks alone do not legally establish bribery, coercion or horse-trading. Any such conclusion would require an independent investigation, documentary evidence and an opportunity for the accused parties to respond.
The complaint comes amid a series of defections from the AIADMK. Government broadcaster Akashvani previously reported that AIADMK representatives approached the Governor after four of the party’s MLAs resigned and joined TVK. Other reports indicate that the number of former AIADMK legislators moving to TVK has since increased.
TVK row widens over competing poaching claims
The DMK alleges that the ruling party is following a broader strategy to alter the balance of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly through inducement and pressure rather than through elections. It claims legislators were offered political support, financial assistance or government favour in return for resigning and joining TVK.
These remain allegations made by the opposition and have not been established by a court or investigative agency. The DMK has also linked its latest submission to earlier complaints involving Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and MDMK leader Vaiko. A previous DMK petition alleged that Vaiko had publicly discussed an approach concerning two DMK legislators.
The party has additionally alleged that police pressure was used against arrested DMK MLA Anitha Radhakrishnan. No verified finding cited in the complaint has yet established that police officers acted under political instructions to force a party switch.
TN Governor asked to support DVAC probe
The DMK has requested intervention from Governor Arlekar and called for a DVAC investigation into the alleged inducements. Arlekar assumed charge as Tamil Nadu Governor on March 12, 2026, according to the official Lok Bhavan profile.
A formal investigation could examine communications, financial transactions and statements made by the legislators involved. Until such evidence emerges, the claims should be presented as accusations rather than proven misconduct.
Rs 35 crore case fuels the assembly dispute
TVK has made its own horse-trading allegations against the DMK. Police arrested three people after a TVK MLA alleged that he was offered Rs 35 crore to influence his vote on an Assembly resolution. Investigators reportedly examined alleged links involving DMK leader V Senthil Balaji and his brother Ashok Kumar.
The Madras High Court later granted conditional anticipatory bail to Balaji and his brother, requiring them to cooperate with investigators. Bail does not amount to an acquittal, and the underlying allegations remain subject to investigation.
The competing accusations have turned MLA defections into a major political issue in Tamil Nadu. Both sides are accusing the other of attempting to influence legislators, but neither set of allegations should be treated as established fact without findings from investigators or the courts.
