DMK Calls for Investigation into Alleged Bribery of Legislators in Tamil Nadu

Chennai, July 1: The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has urged Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra V. Arlekar to intervene in a case involving alleged bribery aimed at persuading two legislators from the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) to resign. The party has requested an investigation by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC).

DMK’s organizational secretary, R.S. Bharathi, submitted a detailed memorandum to the Governor and DVAC, alleging that Chief Minister Vijay and MDMK General Secretary Vaiko conspired to encourage legislators T.M. Rajendran from Kadayanallur and S. Senthil Selvan from Sirkazi to resign from the assembly and subsequently contest in by-elections.

Although both legislators are affiliated with the MDMK, they were elected under the DMK’s election symbol, ‘Rising Sun’, during the previous alliance.

The DMK claims that any attempt to force these legislators to resign constitutes an unconstitutional effort to alter the current assembly structure through political inducements.

The party’s complaint is based on statements made by Vaiko during an MDMK general council meeting. According to R.S. Bharathi, Vaiko claimed that Chief Minister Vijay requested him to persuade both legislators to resign during a meeting at his residence in Pattinapakkam.

Bharathi further alleged that Vaiko stated that if the two legislators resigned and contested in by-elections, Chief Minister Vijay would personally campaign for them.

The DMK argues that if Vaiko’s statements are accurate, it clearly indicates a case of influencing elected representatives through political inducements and “horse trading.”

The party also contends that such actions interfere with the constitutional mandate of elected legislators.

In the memorandum submitted to the Governor, R.S. Bharathi asserted that Vaiko’s public statements point to the Chief Minister’s alleged involvement, necessitating a criminal investigation into the matter.

The DMK appealed to Governor Arlekar not to “turn a blind eye” to this alleged corrupt conduct, as it undermines constitutional integrity and democratic values.

The party has demanded that the Governor instruct the DVAC to file a First Information Report (FIR) and conduct a thorough investigation as per the law.

Bharathi emphasized that it is the legal obligation of the DVAC to act on this complaint, following the principles established by the Supreme Court regarding the registration and investigation of cognizable offenses.