Four AIADMK MLAs’ Switch to TVK Triggers Row, MP Demands CBI, ED Probe

AIADMK Rajya Sabha MP M Dhanapal on Thursday sought a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the sudden resignation of four newly elected party MLAs who quit their posts and joined the ruling TVK immediately after taking oath as legislators.

In a post on ‘X’, Dhanapal alleged that large sums of money may have been exchanged behind the resignations and urged the Centre to order an investigation to “safeguard democracy.” He also called on the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to examine the incident.

“The background behind the four MLAs resigning immediately after taking the oath as MLAs should be investigated,” he said, adding that there were inputs suggesting “huge sums of money” were involved in the political switch.

The development comes a day after AIADMK factions announced a reconciliation, with the rebel camp led by S P Velumani agreeing to function under the leadership of party General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami and projecting a united front. The rebel leaders had met Palaniswami at his Greenways Road residence on May 27 and expressed support for his leadership.

The four legislators K Maragatham Kumaravel (Maduranthakam), S Jayakumar (Perundurai), P Sathyabama (Dharapuram), and Esakki Subaya (Ambasamudram) resigned as MLAs and subsequently joined TVK, triggering political controversy in the state.

Opposition parties, parties backing the ruling TVK government, including the CPI(M) and VCK, questioned the development and termed it “unhealthy politics.” CPI(M) state secretary P Shanmugam said the four legislators could face action under the Anti-Defection Law, particularly as they had reportedly voted in favour of the TVK government during the May 13 floor test. He also cautioned that their immediate induction into TVK could be viewed as legitimising defections and encouraging similar political practices.