Minister alleges DMK and AIADMK are attempting to buy TVK MLAs
Tamil Nadu Minister Nirmal Kumar claims rival parties offered legislators up to Rs 70 crore to switch sides.
Tamil Nadu State Law and Electricity Minister Nirmal Kumar has alleged that leaders from the DMK and AIADMK are attempting to induce Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) MLAs to switch sides. According to News18, the minister claimed that offers between Rs 60 crore and Rs 70 crore were made to legislators, though he insisted no lawmaker would accept the money.
The minister further alleged that illicit hawala money trails linked to these attempts have surfaced in Bengaluru, according to ThePrint. He stated that investigations are currently ongoing regarding these financial movements.
Madurai Central MLA Musthafa, who is part of the TVK, also accused both parties of horse-trading. Speaking to reporters at Madurai Airport, Musthafa told The News Mill that he personally received a phone call offering him Rs 15 crore to support a potential no-confidence motion.
Musthafa claimed that AIADMK members contacted him with this offer and said he had informed his party leadership. He asserted that even offers of Rs 100 crore would not influence TVK legislators.
The DMK has rejected these allegations. According to News18, DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan denied that the party had offered money to TVK MLAs and accused the TVK of using horse-trading to maintain power.
The TVK emerged as the single-largest party in the Tamil Nadu Assembly with 108 seats, according to News18. The party subsequently secured support from the Congress and various regional parties to form the government.