DMK to Petition Supreme Court if Governor Takes No Action on Horse Trading Allegations

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has stated that it will approach the Supreme Court if Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar fails to act on the party's complaint alleging horse trading of MLAs by the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government.

DMK organisation secretary R.S. Bharathi made the statement on Monday, July 13, 2026, after submitting a petition to the Governor in Chennai. He recalled that the party had already submitted a representation on July 4, drawing attention to claims made by MDMK general secretary Vaiko that two of his party's MLAs, who were elected on the DMK's symbol, had been approached by the ruling TVK with an offer to resign their assembly membership and switch allegiance, with a promise of re-nomination in their constituencies.

Mr. Bharathi also referred to former Minister M. R. Vijayabaskar of the AIADMK, who had publicly stated that he resigned from his assembly seat at the request of the ruling TVK. 'These are pieces of evidence that support our allegation of horse trading by the ruling party. We reiterated these points during our meeting with the Governor,' he said.

Mr. Bharathi further alleged that Chief Minister Vijay used inappropriate language during his visit to Karur. He also noted that the CM had inducted former Ministers C. Vijayabaskar and M.R. Vijayabaskar into the TVK, whom the AIADMK had previously described as 'leftover leaves after a feast'.