DMK Demands DVAC Probe, TVK Claims ₹35 Crore Offer Made to Its MLA

Tamil Nadu's political atmosphere intensified on Wednesday as the opposition DMK and the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) accused each other of horse-trading , escalating tensions just weeks after the Assembly elections.

The controversy comes a little over a month after the C. Joseph Vijay-led TVK government assumed office following its victory in the April 23 Assembly polls .

The DMK submitted a petition to Governor R. V. Arlekar , seeking a Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) probe into allegations that Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay attempted to induce two DMK MLAs to resign and recontest elections. The opposition cited remarks allegedly made by MDMK chief Vaiko , claiming the Chief Minister had discussed persuading the legislators to vacate their seats with assurances of future electoral support.

The allegations surfaced days after the MDMK exited the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) and backed the ruling TVK.

Rejecting the charges, the TVK termed them baseless, insisting no inducement was offered and that the MDMK's decision was voluntary. However, the ruling party countered by accusing the DMK of attempting to poach TVK legislators.

Police arrested three men after a TVK MLA alleged he was offered ₹35 crore to support an Assembly resolution against the Speaker. Investigators claimed the accused had links to individuals associated with DMK leader V. Senthil Balaji , an allegation the DMK denied, calling it politically motivated.

The political face-off marks the first major confrontation between the new TVK government and the opposition. While the allegations remain unproven, the episode is expected to deepen political polarisation and could influence the state's political narrative ahead of future electoral battles and local body elections.