The Tamil Nadu horse-trading row intensified after the DMK, AIADMK and BJP separately met Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, seeking his intervention over allegations against the TVK government.
The parties raised concerns over alleged attempts to poach legislators, misuse of police machinery and the participation of private individuals in official government meetings.
Opposition Parties Raise TVK Horse-Trading Allegations
A DMK delegation led by organisational secretary RS Bharathi met the Governor and submitted a memorandum alleging that attempts were being made to influence elected representatives.
The party also claimed that police machinery was being misused and that private individuals were exercising undue influence in government affairs.
Speaking after the meeting, Bharathi alleged that two individuals, John Arokiyasamy and Vishnu Reddy, were taking part in high-level meetings and issuing directions despite not being elected representatives.
DMK Seeks Constitutional Intervention
According to the Governor’s statement, the DMK memorandum sought immediate constitutional intervention, an independent enquiry and appropriate action to protect democratic institutions.
The DMK also referred to earlier allegations linked to attempts to persuade legislators to resign from the Assembly. The party claimed that such actions amounted to political pressure and misuse of authority.
AIADMK And BJP Also Meet Governor
The AIADMK also submitted a memorandum to the Governor, raising concerns over alleged horse-trading, engineered resignations of MLAs and the reported presence of private individuals in Cabinet meetings.
The party urged the Governor to seek an explanation from the state government under Article 167 of the Constitution.
The BJP, too, approached the Governor and demanded legal action over allegations that John Arokiyasamy and Vishnu Reddy attended a Cabinet meeting in violation of protocol.
TVK Responds To Allegations
Responding to the charges, the ruling TVK maintained that John Arokiyasamy and Vishnu Reddy had been appointed as Special Advisers to the Chief Minister and were not private individuals.
The controversy has added fresh political tension in Tamil Nadu, with opposition parties demanding accountability and the ruling side defending the appointments.
The issue is likely to remain in focus as the Governor reviews the memorandums submitted by the opposition parties.
