What is the story about?
A TVK MLA has alleged an attempt to topple the Vijay government. According to a complaint filed by party MLA Ilaiyaraaja, several individuals allegedly
approached him and other legislators with a cash offer of ₹35 crore to switch allegiance and bring down the government. The MLA said that the move was part of a coordinated attempt to split the ruling party and topple the Vijay administration. According to press note later issued by the party, the accused reportedly offered the amount to vote against a proposed no-confidence motion against the Assembly Speaker.
Party leader CTR Nirmal Kumar said, "(DMK chief) Stalin and (AIADMK chief) EPS are trying to form a government with the help of each other. We've been saying this for a long time now. Upon instructions from MK Stalin and Udhayanidhi Stalin, people like Senthil Balaji are trying to get in touch with our MLAs for horse trading. 10 crore, 20 crore, 50 crore are being offered to our MLAs. This has been happening for the past 40 days."
Following the complaint, police arrested three individuals identified as Naresh, Thirunavukkarasu, and Thiagarajan. The accused allegedly told investigators that they were acting on instructions linked to senior political figures, including DMK leader V Senthil Balaji and his brother Ashok. These claims have not yet been independently verified by authorities, and no formal charges have been framed.
Officials said the accused are currently under interrogation, and further arrests have not been ruled out.
The case has sparked a sharp political backlash, with TVK leaders alleging that there was a concerted attempt to poach MLAs. Party sources said that the alleged Rs 35 crore offer reflected “a deeper conspiracy” to destabilise the TVK government, and demanded a high level probe.
Police officials, meanwhile, confirmed that a case has been registered based on the MLA’s complaint and that digital evidence and call records are being examined.
