Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay (TVK) has refuted allegations of horse-trading following reports of a bribery attempt to poach his party's legislators [1].

The controversy threatens the stability of the current administration in Tamil Nadu, as opposition parties attempt to secure enough votes to trigger a no-confidence motion against the Assembly Speaker [3].

Reports indicate that a bribe of 35 crore rupees was offered to poach approximately 15 TVK MLAs [1, 4]. An unnamed TVK legislator said, "We have been offered Rs 35 crore to vote against the Speaker" [2]. While the DMK party has denied making any such offer, the legal fallout has already begun with three arrests and four detentions related to the case [3, 4].

During a rally on June 1, 2026, Vijay lambasted the DMK over family politics and accused both the DMK and AIADMK of attempting to form a government by looting [1, 3]. He dismissed the notion of illicit deals within his own ranks, stating, "There is no horse-trading in the post-poll alliance" [5].

Vijay further emphasized his administration's resolve during the public gathering. "We will never compromise on rights," Vijay said [1].

The political friction has extended to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly in Tiruchirappalli, where DMK members staged a walkout as the Chief Minister addressed the house [5]. The opposition maintains that the ruling party is using financial inducements to destabilize the TVK-led government [3].

“"There is no horse-trading in the post-poll alliance."”

This clash highlights the volatility of post-poll alliances in Tamil Nadu. The attempt to poach 15 MLAs suggests a strategic effort by the DMK and AIADMK to shift the legislative balance of power. If the opposition succeeds in removing the Speaker through a no-confidence motion, it could create a constitutional vacuum that allows for a government change without a fresh general election.