The DMK has dismissed the arrest of Thirunavukkarasu in an alleged horse-trading case as a "setup," claiming the accused was a supporter of the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and that the controversy was orchestrated to target the Opposition.
TVK MLA N Elaiyaraja filed a complaint alleging he was offered Rs 30-35 crore to defect, prompting police to arrest Thirunavukkarasu, Naresh, and Thiyagarajan. The FIR also names former Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji and his brother Ashok Kumar.
DMK rejects allegations of involvement
DMK Organisational Secretary TKS Elangovan called the charges "foolish" and denied any party involvement. He claimed Thirunavukkarasu was a Loyola College student associated with TVK supporters and had publicly backed Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay’s party.
"He was a supporter of Vijay. Maybe some arrangement was made with him. It is a setup just to show that not only are they involved in horse-trading, but that the DMK is also doing it," Elangovan said. He also rejected allegations against Senthil Balaji, calling them fabricated.
BJP suggests TVK strategy behind controversy
BJP leader Vinoj P Selvam suggested the episode could be part of a TVK strategy to divert attention from its own horse-trading allegations. He cited past defections to TVK as "not a healthy sign for democracy" and dismissed the party’s claim of being a "pure force" in politics.
Elaiyaraja’s complaint states Thirunavukkarasu initially approached him under the guise of a political consultancy, offering money and warning of consequences if he refused. The investigation is ongoing.
