TVK Minister K.G. Arunraj said the DMK offered 35 crore rupees [1] to bribe lawmakers to topple the Tamil Nadu state government.
The accusations suggest a coordinated effort to destabilize the current administration through horse-trading ahead of a confidence vote. If proven, the plot indicates a severe breach of legislative ethics and an attempt to bypass the democratic mandate through financial inducement.
According to reports published on June 6, 2026 [4], the TVK-led government claims the DMK targeted 15 of its MLAs [3] with the cash offer. The goal was allegedly to persuade these members to vote against a no-confidence motion, which would effectively remove the TVK government from power [1].
Authorities have made three arrests in connection with the alleged horse-trading case [1]. The arrests follow the public emergence of the bribery claims, which have created significant political friction within the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.
DMK President M.K. Stalin and his party have denied the charges [1]. The DMK said it did not offer any money to the lawmakers. Despite this denial, Stalin previously called on DMK cadre to take a pledge to bring down the TVK government [2].
The controversy centers on the period between June 5 and June 6, 2026 [2]. TVK leaders said the DMK was desperate to poach members of the ruling party to secure a majority for the opposition [3].
This incident marks one of the most direct confrontations between the TVK and DMK since the formation of the current state government. The legal proceedings surrounding the three arrests will determine if the financial allegations can be substantiated in court.
“TVK alleges the DMK offered 35 crore rupees to bribe its MLAs.”
This clash highlights the volatility of the current political coalition in Tamil Nadu. The use of 'horse-trading'—the practice of bribing legislators to switch parties—threatens the stability of the TVK government and suggests that the DMK is pursuing aggressive strategies to regain power. The outcome of the criminal investigation into the three arrests will either validate the TVK's claims of victimhood or expose them as a political maneuver to discredit the opposition.
