In a major political development in Tamil Nadu, three people, including an employee of a consultancy firm, were arrested following a complaint filed by TVK MLA N Elaiyaraja, who alleged Rs 35 crore were offered to him to back a no-confidence motion against state assembly Speaker JCD Prabhakar. The entire case is believed to be linked to DMK's Senthil Balaji and his brother V Ashok Kumar.
According to sources cited in an NDTV report, one of the arrested persons is close to the two DMK leaders. The report further added that the conspiracy involved a plan to topple the government by orchestrating the simultaneous resignation of 15 TVK MLAs.
Elaiyaraja filed the complaint with the Chennai Police, which launched an investigation and arrested an employee of a consultancy firm. During the investigation, authorities learned of links to DMK MLA Senthil Balaji. Two more people were subsequently arrested and are being questioned.
What did TVK MLA allege in his complaint?
Elaiyaraja, in his complaint to the Chennai Police Commissioner, said that he was contacted by a person named Thirunavukkarasu. The person claimed to be the head of an opinion polling organisation called Indian Political Democratic Strategies (IPDS) and was contacting people on behalf of members of a major political party.
ALSO READ: Tamil Nadu Minister Accuses DMK Of Poaching TVK MLAs After Three Arrested In Poaching Attempts
Elaiyaraja further added that he was asked to vote during the motion in a certain way in return for Rs 35 crore. He added that he declined the offer and asked the man to never call him again.
However, Thirunavukkarasu threatened him and warned him of dire consequences for him and his family if he disclosed the conversation, the complaint further added.
DMK vs TVK erupts
The incident has left DMK and TVK sparring, as the CM Vijay-led party has alleged involvement of the 'Karur gang', a term used in state politics to describe a political network associated with DMK and Balaji.
ALSO READ: Tamil Nadu Minister Accuses DMK Of Poaching TVK MLAs After Three Arrested In Poaching Attempts
Speaking to reporters, state minister P Nirmal Kumar said, "We have been saying continuously for the last 40 days that the DMK, Stalin, and his team have been trying to poach our MLAs. A few days ago, one of our MLAs was threatened by DMK members. This was backed by Senthil Balaji and his brother, Ashok. With their support, they allegedly offered around Rs 35 crore to one of our MLAs and asked him to vote against TVK when a no-confidence motion against the Speaker is brought. That was their request. When he refused, he was allegedly threatened severely by DMK members. He has filed a complaint along with all the evidence. Based on this, the police have arrested three persons. All three are close aides of Senthil Balaji."
DMK, however, rejected the allegations and accused the TVK of leaking information related to an ongoing investigation. The party also dared the TVK government to arrest Balaji if it has concrete proof.