TVK MLA Alleges ₹50 Crore Offer To Join DMK, Claims Threats After Refusing
The political confrontation between the ruling DMK and the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) intensified on Monday after TVK legislator Saravanan alleged that he was offered a massive cash inducement to switch political allegiance. The Srivaikuntam MLA claimed that he rejected repeated attempts to persuade him to join the DMK and later faced serious threats.
Addressing reporters in Thoothukudi, Saravanan alleged that several intermediaries approached him with lucrative offers. "Several people have approached me offering Rs 30 crore, Rs 50 crore and even more. They asked me to join the DMK," he claimed.
The MLA further alleged that he was threatened after refusing the proposal. According to him, individuals linked to the ruling party warned him of dire consequences and even attempted to intimidate him physically.
"One such incident occurred 25 days ago when a lorry came straight towards me and I had to swerve completely to escape," Saravanan alleged, claiming there had been an attempt on his life.
The TVK legislator also targeted DMK leader Anitha Radhakrishnan over recent remarks dismissing allegations of political poaching. Responding to the DMK leader's statements, Saravanan asserted, "You are making allegations while I have evidence."
The controversy comes just days after another TVK MLA, N. Elaiyaraja, made similar accusations, alleging he had been offered ₹30–35 crore to defect. He had also claimed that he was told several legislators were prepared to switch sides, allegations that further escalated political tensions in the state.
The Tamil Nadu Police have already arrested three individuals in connection with the alleged attempts to influence TVK legislators. The FIR reportedly names former minister Senthil Balaji and his brother Ashok Kumar, though the DMK has rejected all allegations and denied any involvement.
The fresh claims have added a new dimension to Tamil Nadu's political battle, with both the ruling DMK and the Vijay-led TVK accusing each other of attempting to destabilise rival camps. As investigations continue, the allegations have become one of the most closely watched political controversies in the state.
