Thoothukudi (Tamil Nadu), July 7 (IANS) The political confrontation between the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and the DMK intensified on Tuesday after TVK MLA G. Saravanan alleged that he was offered between Rs 30 crore and Rs 100 crore to defect to the opposition party and was threatened with death after rejecting the proposal.

Addressing reporters at the party office in Thoothukudi, the Srivaikuntam MLA said he possessed evidence to support his allegations and maintained that the claims were based on facts rather than speculation.

Saravanan alleged that there was documentary and other evidence relating to a Rs 30 crore offer made to him. He claimed that a theatre owner from Tirunelveli was involved in the alleged attempt and that four supporters of a former minister had also approached him regarding the proposed defection.

However, he did not disclose further details or identify the former minister.

The legislator further alleged that the intimidation did not stop with monetary inducements. According to him, individuals had come to his MLA office and threatened him with dire consequences if he refused to switch allegiance. He claimed they warned that a lorry would be used to ram his vehicle if he continued to reject the proposal.

Saravanan also alleged that around 25 days ago, while he was travelling by car, a lorry deliberately drove towards his vehicle in what he described as an attempt to intimidate him. He said the incident reinforced his belief that the threats against him were real.

The TVK MLA claimed that he had repeatedly been offered different amounts of money, including Rs 30 crore, Rs 50 crore, and even Rs 100 crore, in an effort to persuade him to join the DMK.

He alleged that after refusing the offers, he was subjected to sustained harassment and received death threats. He also claimed that those behind the alleged attempts believed he could be easily pressured because he had risen from a humble background through grassroots politics to become an MLA.

The allegations come amid an escalating political battle between the DMK and the ruling TVK, with both parties accusing each other of attempting to lure legislators through financial inducements and political pressure. Saravanan’s claims are likely to further intensify the ongoing controversy in Tamil Nadu.

–IANS

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