DMK Warns of Supreme Court Move if Tamil Nadu Governor Fails to Act on TVK ‘Horse-Trading’ Complaint
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has announced that it will approach the Supreme Court if Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi does not take action on its complaint alleging that the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) attempted to lure opposition legislators through “horse-trading.” The warning comes amid escalating political tensions in the State, with the opposition accusing the Vijay-led government of trying to destabilise rival parties through inducements and political pressure.
A DMK delegation recently submitted a detailed memorandum to the Governor, alleging attempts to poach elected representatives, misuse of the police machinery and abuse of governmental authority. The party has sought an independent investigation into the allegations and urged the Governor to initiate appropriate constitutional and legal action. According to DMK leaders, failure to respond to the complaint would leave them with no option but to seek judicial intervention from the apex court.
Speaking to the media, DMK legal wing functionaries maintained that the complaint was based on serious allegations affecting the integrity of the democratic process. They contended that if constitutional authorities remain inactive despite receiving credible complaints, the Supreme Court may be approached to ensure an impartial inquiry and safeguard democratic institutions. The party also rejected allegations made by the ruling TVK that DMK leaders themselves were involved in attempts to destabilise the government.
The political controversy has unfolded alongside an ongoing criminal investigation into alleged horse-trading involving former minister V. Senthil Balaji and others. In a related development, the Madras High Court recently granted conditional anticipatory bail to Senthil Balaji and his brother in a case concerning alleged attempts to influence legislators. The investigation remains pending, and the allegations are yet to be tested at trial.
The latest dispute also follows the Supreme Court’s recent refusal to entertain a separate DMK plea seeking restrictions on public statements by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and other TVK leaders in connection with the Karur stampede case. On that occasion, the Court observed that judicial forums should not become platforms for settling political disputes, while leaving the parties free to pursue remedies available under law where legally maintainable.
The Governor has not yet publicly indicated what action, if any, will be taken on the DMK’s memorandum. If the Raj Bhavan does not respond within what the opposition considers a reasonable period, the DMK has signalled that it will seek the Supreme Court’s intervention, potentially setting the stage for another significant constitutional and political contest over the Governor’s role and the handling of allegations of political defections and inducements.
