Police Allege Bribery Attempt by DMK Leader
The Tamil Nadu police have accused DMK leader and former minister Senthil Balaji of attempting to lure a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) MLA by offering Rs 35 crore to switch allegiance. The allegations were made public on Tuesday, July 1, 2026, by senior police officials who said the bribe was intended to destabilize the TVK ahead of a crucial floor test.
According to a police complaint filed in Chennai, Balaji allegedly approached the TVK MLA through intermediaries and promised the巨额 sum in exchange for supporting the DMK in the upcoming assembly session. The MLA reportedly informed TVK leadership, which then alerted the police. “We have registered a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act and are investigating the matter,” a police spokesperson confirmed.
DMK Counter-Alleges Horse-Trading by CM
The accusation against Balaji came on the same day the DMK petitioned the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), seeking registration of a case against Chief Minister Vijay for “indulging in horse-trading.” In its complaint, the DMK alleged that the CM’s office had been offering lucrative posts and cash to DMK MLAs to defect. “Chief Minister Vijay is systematically destabilizing our party through illegal means,” said DMK spokesperson T.K.S. Elangovan.
The DMK’s petition lists several instances where government officials allegedly facilitated meetings between TVK representatives and DMK legislators. The DVAC has not yet commented on the petition, but sources indicate a preliminary inquiry may be initiated.
Political Turmoil in Tamil Nadu
The developments have escalated political tensions in Tamil Nadu, where the TVK-led government, under Chief Minister Vijay, faces a narrow majority. The DMK, now in opposition, has been accusing the ruling party of corruption and mismanagement. “This is a desperate attempt by the DMK to divert attention from their own internal problems,” said TVK spokesperson M. Rajan.
Political analyst Dr. K. S. Ravichandran noted that such allegations are common during floor tests. “Both sides are trying to secure numbers ahead of the trust vote. The police involvement adds a legal dimension that could further polarize the assembly,” he said.
Legal and Political Implications
The police case against Balaji could lead to his arrest if sufficient evidence is found. Balaji, who served as a minister in the previous DMK government, has denied the allegations, calling them “baseless and politically motivated.” He stated, “I have never met or spoken to the TVK MLA. This is a conspiracy to tarnish my image.”
Meanwhile, the DMK’s petition against the CM has put the spotlight on the ruling party’s tactics. If the DVAC finds merit in the complaint, it could trigger a broader investigation into political horse-trading in the state. The ongoing standoff underscores the fragile nature of Tamil Nadu’s current political landscape.
