Tamil Nadu Power Battle: DMK Presents Alleged Horse-Trading Proof Against TVK

The political dispute in Tamil Nadu over alleged MLA horse-trading intensified on Monday after the DMK submitted what it described as “material evidence” to Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar , accusing the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) of engaging in a systematic attempt to influence legislators.

DMK Organising Secretary R S Bharathi said the party submitted additional documents and statements to the Governor as a supplement to its complaint filed on July 1 . The same material was also submitted to the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), he said, claiming that it supported allegations of a planned practice of political inducement.

According to Bharathi, the evidence submitted by the DMK included a statement made by MDMK chief Vaiko regarding alleged horse-trading of MLAs, along with remarks made by former AIADMK MLA M R Vijayabaskar . The DMK cited Vijayabaskar’s earlier public statement during an informal interaction with the media, where he allegedly indicated that he had been approached by TVK.

Vijayabaskar, who resigned as the AIADMK MLA representing Karur Assembly constituency and later joined TVK led by actor-turned-politician C Joseph Vijay , subsequently rejected the interpretation of his remarks. He said he had been misunderstood and clarified that his decision to join TVK was voluntary due to dissatisfaction with the AIADMK leadership.

Reacting to the allegations, TVK has denied the DMK’s accusations, maintaining that there was no attempt to lure or influence legislators. The party has dismissed the claims as politically motivated and part of an effort to target TVK’s growing presence in Tamil Nadu politics.