Rs.30 Crore Bribery Allegation Rocks Tamil Nadu Politics: AIADMK Functionary Arrested Over TVK MLA's Complaint

Tamil Nadu politics has witnessed a major controversy after an AIADMK functionary and former Madurai Deputy Mayor, P.M. Mannan, was arrested over allegations that he offered Rs.30 crore to a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) MLA to vote against the government in a proposed no-confidence motion.

The allegation has triggered a political confrontation between TVK and AIADMK at a time when the political stability of the newly formed Vijay government is attracting attention.

The case has also raised questions about political horse-trading, the independence of elected representatives and the role of money in legislative politics.

How Did the Rs.30 Crore Allegation Emerge?

The controversy began when TVK MLA V.M.S. Mustafa, who represents Madurai Central, alleged that he had received an offer of Rs.30 crore.

According to Mustafa, the alleged offer involved two instalments:

• Rs.15 crore as an initial payment.

• Another Rs.15 crore if he voted against the TVK government during a proposed no-confidence motion.

The MLA reportedly claimed that he possessed audio recordings of conversations connected to the alleged offer.

He also said that he had informed the party leadership about the incident.

The allegations immediately attracted attention because they involved an elected representative and a proposed legislative challenge to the government.

AIADMK Functionary P.M. Mannan Arrested

On November 6, Madurai City Central Crime Branch police arrested P.M. Mannan after questioning him in connection with the complaint.

Mannan is an AIADMK deputy propaganda secretary and former Deputy Mayor of Madurai.

He previously served as Deputy Mayor between 2006 and 2011 on a DMK ticket before joining the AIADMK in February 2026.

Police registered a case under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to bribery and criminal conspiracy.

Investigators also questioned Mustafa's aide Kani Raj and reportedly seized his mobile phone to examine communications and possible audio evidence.

Court Questions the Circumstances of Arrest

The case took another turn when Mannan was produced before a Madurai court.

The court declined the police request to remand him in judicial custody and ordered his release on a personal bond.

The judge reportedly questioned why Mannan had been arrested on Friday when a notice had directed him to appear for questioning on Saturday, November 7.

This development has created another legal dimension to the controversy.

However, release on a personal bond does not mean that the allegations have been proven false or that the investigation has ended.

AIADMK Leadership Rejects the Allegations

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami strongly condemned the arrest.

He accused the TVK government of creating a political controversy through the complaint and described the arrest as a political drama.

Palaniswami also raised allegations of previous horse-trading involving TVK and questioned the government's political motives.

Former minister Sellur K. Raju also criticised the arrest and argued that the government was attempting to divert attention from other administrative issues.

TVK, meanwhile, has maintained its position that the alleged attempt to influence its MLA must be investigated.

Why Is This Issue Politically Important?

The controversy is significant because it concerns the functioning of a state government and the independence of elected legislators.

If financial inducements are established, the case could raise serious questions about the integrity of legislative decision-making.

At the same time, the allegations must be proved through evidence, including the reported audio recordings, financial trails and communications between the individuals involved.

The case also highlights the importance of protecting legislators from unlawful attempts to influence their votes.

Conclusion

The Rs.30 crore bribery allegation has become one of the major political controversies in Tamil Nadu.

The arrest of P.M. Mannan, the court's decision to release him on a personal bond and the allegations made by TVK MLA Mustafa have created a complicated political and legal situation.

The investigation will now be important in determining whether an attempt was made to influence the MLA and whether any other individuals were involved.