Chennai: Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin has criticized recent political developments in the state, alleging instances of “horse-trading” and opportunistic alliances during government formation and legislative proceedings.

In a strongly worded social media statement, he referred to three stages of political activity following a hung assembly situation.

The post said:

Scene 1: In the absence of a clear majority, the DMK seeks support from alliance party leaders.

Scene 2: During the confidence vote, bargaining for votes by striking deals with a faction of the AIADMK, and additionally “picking up” members from the AMMK as bonus.

Scene 3: Getting some AIADMK members to resign and immediately inducting them into their party right at the Secretariat itself.

First, he alleged that the ruling party sought support from alliance partners to secure a majority. Second, he claimed that during a confidence vote, efforts were made to influence members of opposition factions, including reported attempts to secure backing from AIADMK legislators and additional support from AMMK representatives. Third, he alleged that some AIADMK members were induced to resign and subsequently joined the ruling party.

Stalin questioned whether such political developments were what voters had expected when they cast their mandate, and criticized what he described as contradictions between public political positions and actual conduct.

He also targeted parties that have positioned themselves as anti-BJP forces, alleging inconsistency between their stated stance and their participation in or tolerance of the current political arrangements within the state government framework.

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