Poll promise or vendetta? TVK's crackdown on DMK under the spotlight

Tamil Nadu's new Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government, led by Chief Minister Vijay, has intensified action against former DMK ministers, with the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the police pursuing multiple cases involving alleged cash-for-jobs scams, land grabs and bribery.

The DMK, under MK Stalin, governed Tamil Nadu for years, drawing praise for its welfare schemes but also facing persistent allegations of corruption and misuse of power. In the 2026 Assembly elections, TVK emerged as a major force, campaigning on promises of clean governance and an end to what it called the "commission culture."

New government, new scrutiny

After forming the government with the support of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Left parties and the Congress, the TVK administration has prioritised anti-corruption action. DMK leaders have criticised the moves as a "political witch-hunt" and "tyranny," while TVK supporters describe them as the fulfilment of electoral promises to clean up the system. The cases span allegations of land grabs, job scams and bribery involving several former ministers.

Senthil Balaji faces multiple cases

V Senthil Balaji, former minister for Transport and Electricity and now the Coimbatore South MLA, faces an alleged cash-for-jobs scam in the Transport Department, which is under an ED money-laundering probe. He also faces a horse-trading case, accused of offering a Rs 35 crore bribe to a TVK MLA to topple the government or influence the Speaker's election.

Also read: DVAC probe into Karur road projects puts former DMK minister EV Velu under scrutiny

Balaji went into hiding or avoided summons in connection with the case, and wrote a letter denying that he was fleeing. He received anticipatory bail from the Madras High Court in some matters. Police have arrested some of his associates, and investigations are underway.

Anitha Radhakrishnan's arrest

Anitha R Radhakrishnan, former Fisheries Minister and Tiruchendur MLA, was arrested in early July 2026 for allegedly making defamatory and objectionable remarks against Chief Minister Vijay during a public meeting held on Karunanidhi's birth anniversary. The Madras High Court rejected his anticipatory bail plea.

Radhakrishnan has claimed there was pressure on him to quit the DMK and join TVK. He also faces ED scrutiny in earlier money-laundering probes.

Velu summoned over highway funds

EV Velu, former Highways Minister, was summoned by the DVAC over alleged irregularities amounting to Rs 3.23 crore in road and highway contracts. The DVAC conducted raids at multiple locations linked to him.

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Velu was reportedly in Singapore for medical treatment during the course of the investigation. Leadership changes at the DVAC have signalled a push for faster action on such cases.

Land grab charge against Anbarasan

Th Mo Anbarasan, a former minister, faces a fresh complaint filed in July 2026. Rajesh Somasundaram, a private company owner linked to the Chief Minister's special cell, has accused Anbarasan and his assistant of illegally occupying a 5,500 sq ft plot in Parangimalai, Alandur.

The land was allegedly given for a 2024 Lok Sabha election office on a six-month lease under duress. According to the complaint, no rent was paid, and the land has not been vacated even two years later. Police have registered a case for land grabbing.

Sivasankar in job fraud case

SS Sivasankar, former Transport Minister, was summoned by the Central Crime Branch (CCB) in connection with a Rs 23 lakh government job fraud case. A complainant alleged that Sivasankar, through an aide, had promised a Transport Department job in exchange for money. Sivasankar has denied any links to the scam but faced questioning by investigators.

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Other DMK leaders and functionaries are also facing probes over allegations of fraud, encroachment and irregularities. TVK has pushed for Governor's sanction to prosecute several of them under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and other laws.

Vendetta or accountability?

TVK campaigned heavily against alleged corruption under the DMK, and Vijay's government has framed these actions as delivering on a promise of "zero tolerance" for graft. Its supporters view the moves as justice for the misuse of public funds linked to jobs, contracts and land. The DMK, on the other hand, has countered that the action amounts to selective persecution aimed at weakening the opposition after its electoral setback.

The moves by the ED, DVAC and police point to systemic issues from the previous regime, though critics have raised questions over the timing of the cases and whether AIADMK leaders who have defected to TVK face similar scrutiny. The developments are being seen as a test of Chief Minister Vijay's promise of "clean politics."

Political observers note that TVK appears determined to build a narrative framing former DMK ministers as symbols of deep-rooted corruption. Through investigations, media briefings and public statements, the ruling party aims to reinforce its image as a clean alternative while weakening the DMK's credibility. The strategy is seen as timed ahead of upcoming bypolls and local body elections, where undercutting the opposition could help TVK consolidate voter support and attract further defections.