Two DMK MLAs were offered ministry, money to join TVK, claims RS Bharathi

The DMK on Saturday submitted a memorandum to Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar seeking action over the alleged attendance of two private individuals in cabinet meetings and an alleged attempt to poach two of its MLAs in what the party described as “horse-trading” to increase the ruling party’s strength in the Assembly.

A memorandum submitted by DMK organizing secretary RS Bharathi, party legal counsel P. Wilson, MLA S. Austin and former MLA I. Paranthaman alleged that the ruling Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) tried to force Mr. Austin and Veppanahalli MLA Srinivasan to join the ruling party.

Speaking to reporters after meeting the Governor, Mr. Bharathi claimed that TVK had approached Mr. Austin, who represents the Nagercoil constituency, with the promise of a “ministry of his choice” if he resigned from his Assembly seat and joined the party. “Mr. Srinivasan was offered ₹ 50 crore and the post of Cabinet Chairman,” he claimed.

Mr. Bharathi also alleged that two associates of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay — John Arokiasamy and Vishnu Reddy — were participating in government meetings and interfering in government administration.

“They have been allotted rooms in the secretariat. They also accompany Mr. Vijay on his travels and attend government functions,” he claimed.

According to Mr. Bharathi, the Governor shared the view that private individuals cannot participate in government proceedings or perform government functions. “His remarks give us hope that he will act,” Mr Bharathi said.

The DMK delegation also drew the Governor’s attention to the arrest of party MLA Anitha Radhakrishnan in connection with a defamation case, claiming that arrests are not normally made in such cases.

“The police interrogated him for five hours. Under the guise of interrogation, they tried horse-trading. Mr. Radhakrishnan himself explained this in his interview,” Mr. Bharathi claimed.

Published – 05 Jul 2026 01:09 IST