Three Arrested for Allegedly Offering ₹35 Crore Bribe to TVK MLA Ahead of No-Confidence Vote

Three men have been arrested by the Triplicane Police in Chennai for allegedly attempting to bribe Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) MLA N. Elaiyaraja of Uthangarai. The bribe was reportedly offered to influence his vote during a no-confidence motion against the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Speaker, scheduled for the next Assembly session.

According to a senior official of the Greater Chennai Police, MLA Elaiyaraja filed a complaint with the City Police Commissioner on June 29, 2025. In his complaint, the MLA stated that a man named Thirunavukkarasu contacted him, claiming to run an opinion polling firm called 'Indian Political Democratic Strategies' (IPDS). Thirunavukkarasu said he was reaching out at the behest of members from a major political party and requested an in-person meeting.

MLA Elaiyaraja declined the call, citing prior commitments. However, Thirunavukkarasu contacted him again and allegedly offered a reward of up to ₹35 crore. The caller purportedly asked the MLA to act in a specific manner during the vote on the no-confidence motion against the Speaker. Elaiyaraja firmly refused and instructed the caller not to contact him again. In response, Thirunavukkarasu allegedly threatened that the MLA and his family would face dire consequences if the conversation was disclosed.

Acting on the complaint, the Triplicane Police registered a case and arrested three individuals: Thirunavukkarasu (45) of Arumbakkam, Naresh of Tiruchi, and Thiagarajan of Medavakkam. Investigations revealed that V. Ashok Kumar, brother of former DMK Minister and incumbent Coimbatore South MLA V. Senthilbalaji, had met the accused Naresh in Chennai. Police are probing the extent of the alleged conspiracy and any links to political figures.

The no-confidence motion against the Speaker has been a contentious issue in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, with opposition parties accusing the ruling DMK of suppressing dissent. The TVK, a party led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, has been vocal in demanding accountability. The arrest highlights concerns over the integrity of the legislative process.

The accused have been remanded in judicial custody, and further investigations are underway. The police have not ruled out the involvement of others in the alleged bribery attempt.