MLA Poaching Allegations Trigger Political Storm in Tamil Nadu

Allegations of attempts to poach legislators have triggered a political controversy in Tamil Nadu. TVK minister Nirmal Kumar has accused leaders of the DMK and AIADMK of trying to lure MLAs from his party, allegedly offering between Rs 60 crore and Rs 70 crore to each legislator. He also alleged that DMK president MK Stalin and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin were involved in the efforts. The DMK, AIADMK and BJP have rejected the allegations. The DMK said it had no need to purchase TVK legislators. A similar controversy surfaced in July, when police arrested eight people over allegations that a TVK MLA was offered money to vote against a proposed no-confidence motion against the government. Those arrested reportedly included an election strategist, while a case was also registered against the brother of former DMK minister V. Senthil Balaji.

Responding to the latest allegations, DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan dismissed the claims and accused the TVK of engaging in political bargaining to remain in power. Referring to six AIADMK MLAs who reportedly resigned and joined the TVK after the elections, he described the development as the party’s “sofa model”. Political attention is now focused on November 13, when the TVK government completes six months since proving its majority in the Assembly, fuelling speculation about a possible confidence vote. In the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, a government needs the support of 118 MLAs to secure a majority. The TVK currently has 109 legislators, while the Congress, VCK and IUML are supporting the government, with the CPI and CPI(M) extending outside support. The Congress’s shift from the DMK alliance to the TVK camp has further altered the state’s political equations.