Nagenthran raises horse-trading charge in Madurantakam bypoll campaign

BJP State president Nainar Nagenthran on Tuesday urged voters in the Madurantakam Assembly constituency to consider allegations of horse trading before casting their ballots in the upcoming bypoll.

Campaigning for the AIADMK candidate, Mr. Nagenthran questioned the circumstances surrounding the resignation of former AIADMK legislator Maragatham Kumaravel, who has since joined the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). He asked how much money the legislator might have received for the move, and said that if a representative elected by the people had resigned and was now being fielded again by the TVK, voters should reflect on the scale of the alleged inducement.

He also argued that the resignation had forced the state exchequer to bear the cost of an avoidable bypoll.

Turning to other issues, Mr. Nagenthran criticised Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay's recent visit to London, saying an agreement with Ashok Leyland could have been signed within India. He further claimed that the police force was not under anyone's control.