DMK calls Thirunavukarasu arrest a setup, claims TVK behind controversy
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Wednesday dismissed the arrest of Thirunavukkarasu in the alleged horse-trading case as a 'setup', claiming the accused was a
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Wednesday dismissed the arrest of Thirunavukkarasu in the alleged horse-trading case as a 'setup', claiming the accused was a supporter of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and accusing Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay-led party of orchestrating the controversy to target the Opposition. Responding to allegations that former Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji was linked to an alleged attempt to lure TVK legislators, DMK Organisational Secretary TKS Elangovan termed the charges 'foolish' and denied any involvement by the party. Read Full Story Elangovan claimed Thirunavukkarasu was a Loyola College student who was associated with TVK supporters and had publicly backed Vijay's party. "He was a supporter of Vijay. Maybe some arrangement was made with him. It is a setup just to show that not only are they involved in horse-trading, but that the DMK is also doing it.
They are using their own man. They need a villain in a movie," Elangovan said. He also rejected allegations against Senthil Balaji, saying the claims were fabricated to create political pressure. The BJP, while not endorsing the DMK's claims, also suggested the episode could be part of a strategy by TVK. BJP leader Vinoj P Selvam said the controversy could be an attempt to divert attention from allegations of horse-trading levelled against TVK. "Knowing TVK's ways of operating and the kind of horse-trading they have been into, this could be a game being played by TVK to divert attention from the horse-trading charges against them," he said. Selvam further alleged that several elected representatives who had contested against TVK had later joined the party, calling it "not a healthy sign for democracy".
He also claimed TVK's assertion of being a "pure force" in politics was "complete nonsense". The political row erupted after TVK MLA N Elaiyaraja alleged that he was offered Rs 30-35 crore to defect from the party. In an interview with India Today TV, Elaiyaraja claimed that Thirunavukkarasu repeatedly tried to persuade him to switch sides, saying that 10 TVK MLAs and a sitting minister had already agreed to join the DMK. According to the MLA, Thirunavukkarasu claimed he had already secured the support of several legislators and described the cash offer as a 'huge' opportunity. Elaiyaraja said he rejected the proposal outright and remained loyal to TVK chief and actor-turned-politician C Joseph Vijay. Following the complaint, Tamil Nadu Police arrested Thirunavukkarasu, Naresh and Thiyagarajan in connection with the alleged attempt to induce TVK legislators.
The BriefWire