Former DMK Minister S. Regupathy on Thursday said his party was against horse trading in politics and firmly believed in democracy.  The DMK was functioning as a constructive Opposition and the party leader and former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin was against gaining power through the “backdoor”, Mr. Regupathy said.

Interacting with journalists in Pudukottai, Mr. Regupathy, instead, accused the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, of indulging in horse trading with the aim of securing a simple majority in the House.  The moment the TVK formed the government, four AIADMK MLAs had submitted their resignation to the Speaker and joined that party immediately, Mr. Regupathy said.

Responding to the allegation levelled by the Minister for Energy Resources and Law R. Nirmalkumar that the DMK had attempted to lure TVK MLAs by offering them up to ₹50 crore for toppling the government, Mr. Regupathy categorically said the DMK had not indulged in horse trading and Mr. Stalin had not permitted it at any point of time. Mr. Stalin did not have any thought of joining hands with the AIADMK in the formation of the government, he said.