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Tamil Nadu Minister of Minorities Welfare and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader AM Shahjahan alleged that there were attempts to lure the party’s legislators with money and ministerial posts after the 2026 Assembly elections. He made the allegations on Monday, September 7, two days after MLA SSB Syed Farooq Basha made similar claims at an IUML meeting.
Following these allegations, Public Works and Sports Development Minister and Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Aadhav Arjuna accused the opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) of horse-trading.
Speaking about the events surrounding the post-poll government formation, Shahjahan said the IUML had rejected a proposal from the DMK on the night of August 8. “On 8th, DMK suggested something but IUML did not agree. That night, after 10 pm, who locked two of our MLAs in a hotel room and made us stand guard? We will be forced to reveal that,” he said.
Shahjahan said the IUML ultimately chose to support Vijay because it did not want Tamil Nadu to come under President’s Rule.
The remarks came after Vaniyambadi IUML MLA SSB Syed Farooq Basha alleged that he and Shahjahan were approached by “some political parties” with an offer of crores of rupees and ministerial positions following the elections.
Basha made the allegation at an IUML district general council meeting in Tiruvannamalai on Saturday, September 5. He alleged that two persons in plainclothes approached him and Shahjahan and asked them to choose the ministerial portfolios they wanted.
“Two persons came in plainclothes with boxes of cash and letter pads, and asked Minister Shahjahan and I to sign next to whichever ministerial posts we wanted,” Basha said. He further said they were offered the Local Administration and Transport portfolios.
“We told them Allah is the one who can give us a position. We were not prepared to compromise our principles for their posts and sent them away,” Basha said.
He also alleged that the IUML was subsequently approached over its political position after the elections and reiterated the party's decision to leave the DMK alliance.
The allegations have now triggered a war of words between the DMK and TVK, with both parties accusing each other of attempts at horse-trading.
TVK minister Aadhav Arjuna said discussions within his party had been held only with state-level leaders and said they were conducted democratically. “Who tried doing horse trading? Who made IUML MLAs stay in Accord Hotel?” Aadhav asked, adding, “Accord Hotel is owned by DMK MP Jagathrakshakan.”
He alleged that the DMK had indulged in horse-trading and said a detailed investigation would be conducted.
DMK leader and Tamil Nadu Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin also responded to the allegations, referring to Basha’s remarks at the IUML meeting. “This government is openly functioning through horse-trading,” Udhayanidhi said.
The DMK IT wing had on Sunday responded to Basha’s allegations on X by stating, “Horse-trading allegations being confirmed repeatedly.”
The TVK IT wing also attacked the DMK over the allegations, claiming that the party had been exposed and that more details would emerge in the coming days.
