Former Tamil Nadu Minister Senthil Balaji questioned in alleged plot against Vijay government

The Tamil Nadu police have intensified the probe into a alleged scheme to unseat the ruling Vijay government. The investigation stems from a complaint by TRC MLA Dr. Ilaiyaraja, who alleged that a large‑scale conspiracy, dubbed the “Meghalaya project,” sought to bribe 15 legislators with ₹35 crore to switch parties.

Former electricity minister V. Senthil Balaji and his brother Ashok Kumar were named among the suspects. After being granted strict bail by the Chennai Chief Sessions Court, they were required to report twice daily to the Triplicane police station. They complied, appearing on consecutive days and undergoing separate, lengthy interrogations by a special investigation team led by Deputy Commissioner Jayachandran. Officers presented seized documents and asked more than 50 questions covering alleged financial transactions, document falsification, and efforts to influence legislators. To date, 14 individuals have been arrested in connection with the MLA‑purchase case.

Police say the questioning aims to uncover the broader network behind the alleged bribery and political destabilisation plot.