DMK Calls Arrest in Alleged Horse-Trading Case a Conspiracy
The DMK party has strongly condemned the arrest of Thirunavukkarasu, claiming it is part of a political conspiracy orchestrated by the ruling party in Tamil Nadu. The allegations of horse-trading involving former minister V. Senthil Balaji have sparked a heated political debate, with DMK officials denying any wrongdoing. BJP leaders have suggested that this controversy may be a strategic distraction from TVK's own issues. As the political landscape evolves, the implications of these allegations could have significant repercussions for all parties involved. Read on for a detailed analysis of the unfolding situation.
| Jul 16, 2026, 12:28 IST
DMK Responds to Arrest of Thirunavukkarasu
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party labeled the arrest of Thirunavukkarasu in a purported horse-trading scandal as a 'conspiracy' on Wednesday. The party asserted that the accused was affiliated with the Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) and alleged that the ruling party in Tamil Nadu, led by Chief Minister Vijay, orchestrated this controversy to target the opposition. In response to allegations that former Tamil Nadu minister V. Senthil Balaji attempted to lure TVK legislators, DMK's organizational secretary T.K.S. Elangovan dismissed these claims as 'absurd' and denied any involvement from the party.
Allegations and Political Maneuvering
Elangovan stated that Thirunavukkarasu was a student at Loyola College, associated with TVK, and had openly supported Vijay's party. He suggested that there might have been some kind of arrangement made with him, arguing that this was merely a tactic to portray DMK as engaged in horse-trading as well. He emphasized that the ruling party needed a 'villain' for their narrative. Furthermore, he refuted the allegations against Senthil Balaji, claiming they were fabricated to exert political pressure. Although the BJP did not endorse DMK's claims, it hinted that this incident could be part of TVK's strategy.
BJP's Perspective on the Controversy
BJP leader Vinod P. Selvan remarked that this controversy might be an attempt by TVK to divert attention from the horse-trading allegations against them. He pointed out that given TVK's operational methods and their involvement in horse-trading, this could be a strategic play to shift focus away from the accusations. Selvan further alleged that several elected representatives who contested against TVK later joined the party, which he deemed a negative sign for democracy. He also criticized TVK's claim of being a pure force in politics as 'utter nonsense.' The political dispute intensified after TVK legislator N. Elaiyaraja claimed he was offered 30-35 crores to leave the party. Elaiyaraja alleged that Thirunavukkarasu repeatedly tried to persuade him to switch sides, stating that ten TVK legislators and a current minister had already agreed to join DMK. According to the legislator, Thirunavukkarasu claimed to have secured support from several legislators and referred to the cash offer as a 'big' opportunity. Elaiyaraja, however, rejected this proposal outright and remained loyal to TVK leader and actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay.