DMK's R.S. Bharathi Seeks FIR, Alleges TVK Government Inducing Opposition MLAs to Defect

DMK organising secretary R.S. Bharathi submitted a fresh, supplementary complaint to Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) on July 14, continuing a series of representations first made on July 1 and July 4 against Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay's government.

The complaint alleges that the ruling TVK government is attempting to alter the composition of the Assembly by inducing Opposition MLAs, including those from the AIADMK, to defect, and cites the resignation of former AIADMK MLA M.R. Vijayabaskar and his subsequent entry into TVK as evidence.

Bharathi noted that Vijayabaskar, at a press meet on July 2, had publicly stated that the ruling party had approached him before his resignation. The representation submitted to the Governor stated that "the resignation of MLAs has taken place through inducements, including promises of electoral support, monetary assistance and governmental favours."

The DMK delegation reportedly submitted video footage and other material along with the complaint, describing the episode as political horse-trading, and sought the registration of an FIR along with a comprehensive investigation.

Bharathi additionally alleged that MLAs who refused to switch sides were being subjected to criminal cases and arrests, calling it a misuse of state machinery, and urged the Governor and DVAC to act on the earlier complaints as well.