Vijay's TVK formed govt through defections. It now cries foul over poaching bid
Ever since Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay formed the government by inducting smaller parties that were earlier part of the DMK-led alliance, allegations of horse-trading
Ever since Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay formed the government by inducting smaller parties that were earlier part of the DMK-led alliance, allegations of horse-trading and poaching have followed the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). However, the tables seem to have turned. The TVK has now cried foul, alleging a bid to topple the government by buying its MLAs. Tamil Nadu is the latest state to be engulfed in the defection saga in the season of desertions after Bengal and Maharashtra. On Wednesday, TVK MLA N Elaiyaraja stirred a hornet's nest after he alleged that offers up to Rs 50 crore were made to around 11 legislators, including a minister, to jump ship to the DMK. Elaiyaraja claimed he himself was offered Rs 35 crore to back a proposed no-trust motion against the Speaker. Read Full Story VIJAY'S TVK CLAIMS POACHING BID At the centre of the poaching claims is a lesser-known political analytical firm called Indian Political Democratic Strategies (IPDS). The TVK has alleged that calls went to its MLAs from a person claiming to be working for IPDS. Elaiyaraja claimed he and his family were even threatened after he rejected the offer. Following a complaint, three people were arrested. Interestingly, the FIR also names former DMK minister V Senthil Balaji and his brother V Ashok Kumar as being allegedly linked to the conspiracy. Last year, Balaji was arrested by the ED after his name cropped up in an alleged cash-for-jobs case. He is presently out on bail. The DMK has, however, rejected the allegations. The police have said that one of the accused, Naresh, was in direct touch with Senthil Balaji's brother.
The startling development has sparked a slugfest between the DMK and the TVK, which pulled off a massive surprise in May after emerging as the single largest party. STALIN'S 3-MONTH SURVIVAL REMARK Amid the raging controversy, Vijay's party has pointed to a previous remark by DMK supremo MK Stalin. Last month, while speaking at an event in Chennai, Stalin suggested that the Vijay-led government might not even survive beyond three months. "When it (TVK) assumed office, I had said I would not criticise it for six months. However, the criticism against it is mounting... The question now is whether this government will last even three months," Stalin had said. At the same event, the former Chief Minister made it a point to underline that the TVK remained in power only due to the grace of the DMK and its allies. As Stalin's remarks invited backlash from the TVK, the DMK clarified that it was borne out of any intent to topple the government. Stalin made similar remarks as recently as June 29, urging DMK workers to prepare for elections as it "could be announced at any time". Against this backdrop, TVK minister Nirmal Kumar has alleged direct involvement of Stalin and his son, Udhayanidhi, behind the poaching bid. "Senthil Balaji, with the permission of Stalin and Udhayanidhi, has tried contacting several of our MLAs with offers ranging from Rs 10 crore to Rs 50 crore over the last 40 days," Kumar said. "That is why Stalin keeps repeatedly saying this government will not last long," Kumar further said. THE NUMBERS GAME At the heart of the matter lies the TVK alliance's slim majority in the 234-member Assembly.
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