Days after a TVK MLA alleged that he was offered Rs 30–35 crore to switch sides and claimed that 10 ruling party MLAs and a sitting minister had agreed to join the DMK, another TVK legislator has made similar allegations of political poaching.
Speaking to reporters in Thoothukudi, TVK's Srivaikuntam MLA Saravanan claimed he was offered between Rs 30 crore and Rs 50 crore to defect to the DMK. He further alleged that he received death threats after rejecting the proposal.
"Several people approached me with offers of Rs 30 crore, Rs 50 crore and even higher amounts, asking me to join the DMK," he said.
Saravanan also alleged that individuals associated with the DMK came to his office and threatened to kill him by running him over with a lorry. He claimed there had been an attempt on his life last month.
"About 25 days ago, a lorry came directly towards me and I had to swerve completely to avoid being hit," he said.
The TVK MLA also criticised DMK leader Anitha Radhakrishnan over remarks made after his arrest.
Earlier, Radhakrishnan had dismissed the allegations, telling reporters on July 4, "It was not horse-trading, but camel-trading that was offered to me; it will never happen."
Responding to the statement, Saravanan said, "You are making allegations, while I have evidence."
Radhakrishnan was arrested for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay during a public event, where he reportedly mocked Vijay's appearance and his transition from the film industry to politics.
Saravanan further claimed that he was being singled out because he came from a modest background in a region where politics has traditionally been dominated by influential and wealthy leaders. Srivaikuntam is located in Thoothukudi district in southern Tamil Nadu.
His allegations come just days after fellow TVK MLA N. Elaiyaraja also claimed that he had been offered Rs 30–35 crore to switch allegiance. Elaiyaraja alleged that an intermediary, Thirunavukkarasu, told him that 10 TVK MLAs and a sitting minister had already agreed to join the DMK.
Speaking to India Today, Elaiyaraja said Thirunavukkarasu repeatedly tried to persuade him to join the alleged plan.
"He told me that 10 TVK MLAs and one minister had already agreed. He even claimed that a sitting minister was part of the plan and offered me Rs 30–35 crore in cash," Elaiyaraja said.
The MLA said he immediately rejected the offer and reaffirmed his loyalty to Chief Minister Vijay.
The allegations gained further traction after Tamil Nadu Police arrested Thirunavukkarasu, Naresh and Thiyagarajan in connection with an alleged attempt to influence TVK legislators. Police also named former DMK minister Senthil Balaji and his brother Ashok Kumar in the FIR, alleging their links to the conspiracy. The DMK has denied all the allegations.
The controversy has since intensified into a political confrontation, with the TVK accusing the DMK of attempting to destabilise the Vijay-led government through alleged horse-trading. In response, the DMK has demanded that an FIR be registered against the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister over allegations that he tried to persuade two DMK MLAs to resign.
Allegations of MLA poaching have been uncommon in Tamil Nadu politics. However, the recent claims have fuelled speculation about increasing political instability, particularly after Vijay formed a coalition government despite falling 10 seats short of securing a majority.
