Tamil Nadu BJP Chief Claims ‘Horse-Trading’ Underway To Save TVK Government

Tamil Nadu BJP chief Nainar Nagendran alleged that efforts were underway to influence MLAs to help the TVK-led ruling alliance

July 5, 2026: Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran on Saturday alleged that political “horse-trading” was taking place in the state to help the TVK-led ruling alliance demonstrate its majority in the Assembly. Speaking after the BJP’s Dindigul district executive meeting, Nagendran claimed that attempts were being made to influence legislators in favour of the government. He alleged that those involved in such activities were leading efforts to secure numbers for the ruling alliance.

The controversy follows allegations made by TVK MLA N. Elaiyaraja, who claimed that he was offered ₹35 crore and threatened in an attempt to influence his vote during a legislative resolution. Police have registered a case and arrested three individuals in connection with the complaint. The political row intensified further after senior DMK MLA Anitha R. Radhakrishnan, following his arrest in a separate case, alleged that he had been pressured to resign from the Assembly and join the TVK. Rejecting the alleged offer, he remarked that it was “not horse-trading, but camel-trading.”

Nagendran also criticised the law and order situation in Tamil Nadu, referring to an alleged sexual assault case in Ranipet and claiming that crime in the state was increasing. He said the BJP’s intention was not to attack the government but to fulfil its responsibility as the opposition by highlighting governance issues. The BJP has repeatedly raised concerns over law and order under the TVK-led government in recent weeks.