DMK seeks FIR against CM Vijay over MLA poaching claims
Fresh allegations of horse-trading have rocked Tamil Nadu's political circles, with the ruling DMK submitting a formal complaint to the Governor, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and
Fresh allegations of horse-trading have rocked Tamil Nadu's political circles, with the ruling DMK submitting a formal complaint to the Governor, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), seeking registration of an FIR and a comprehensive probe into alleged attempts by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to induce two DMK MLAs to resign. The complaint alleges that the purported bid was part of a larger conspiracy to alter the composition of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly through inducements rather than democratic means.
The DMK has accused Vijay of criminal conspiracy, abuse of official position and corrupt practices, while urging the vigilance department to conduct an impartial investigation into the alleged "horse trading" attempt. Read Full Story The complaint heavily relies on public statements made by MDMK general secretary Vaiko, who had claimed that Vijay personally attempted to persuade two DMK legislators to resign from the Assembly. According to the complaint, Vaiko alleged that the Chief Minister assured the MLAs of financial assistance to contest the ensuing by-elections if they vacated their seats.
Calling the allegations a serious threat to democratic values, the DMK argued that the claims go beyond the two legislators and point to a wider political operation. The complaint notes that six more AIADMK MLAs have resigned in recent months, contending that the pattern raises larger concerns about systematic efforts to engineer defections and alter the Assembly's composition by bypassing the mandate delivered by voters. "The situation indicates larger concerns of a systematic effort to alter the composition of the Legislative Assembly and bypass the electoral verdict," the complaint states, adding that the integrity of democratic institutions is at stake if such allegations are left uninvestigated.
Seeking immediate intervention, the DMK has urged the DVAC to register an FIR against Vijay and other unidentified persons allegedly involved in the conspiracy and carry out a thorough investigation into the alleged inducements and financial promises made to legislators. Ends
The BriefWire