Minister R Nirmalkumar Denies TVK Horse-Trading Charges, Accuses DMK of Poaching

On Tuesday, Tamil Nadu Electricity and Law Minister R Nirmalkumar denied allegations of horse-trading against the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) during a press interaction in Chennai, while counter-accusing the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) of attempting to poach legislators.

The minister's remarks came as a direct response to statements made by CPI state secretary M Veerapandian in a recent interview. Nirmalkumar clarified that the TVK was not involved in any attempts to poach legislators from other political parties. He emphasized that the party cannot prevent leaders from other political outfits from joining them on their own accord.

Speaking to reporters about Veerapandian's comments, Nirmalkumar stated that the party was unsure of who the CPI leader was referring to, but maintained a firm denial of the horse-trading allegations. "We are not sure whom he is referring to. But we are not indulging in horse-trading," Nirmalkumar said.

In a sharp counter-offensive, Nirmalkumar alleged that the DMK and its leader, M K Stalin, were continuing their own efforts to buy MLAs. According to the minister, horse-trading can only be alleged when financial transactions or money changes hands to secure the support of an MLA. He argued that this is entirely different from legislators extending their support voluntarily.

Nirmalkumar also directed accusations toward former minister V Senthil Balaji, claiming that he was the one indulging in horse-trading. He pointed to the arrests of individuals linked to Balaji as evidence supporting his claim.

Additionally, the minister dismissed a demand made by DMK organisational secretary R S Bharathi, who had sought a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged horse-trading. Nirmalkumar took a swipe at Bharathi, stating that he was writing letters to the federal agency merely "for time-pass." He further questioned how the CBI could legally investigate such political allegations.