Senthil Balaji, brother face second day of grilling in MLA poaching case
Synopsis
For the second consecutive day, former minister Senthil Balaji and his brother faced more than 50 questions from a Special Investigation Team probing the 'Meghalaya Project' — an alleged ₹35-crore bribery and MLA-poaching conspiracy targeting the Vijay government. With 14 arrests already made and further detentions not ruled out, this case is fast becoming Tamil Nadu's most politically explosive probe of the year.
Key Takeaways
Senthil Balaji and brother Ashok Kumar appeared before Triplicane Police for a second straight day on Sunday, 27 July .
The case centres on the alleged 'Meghalaya Project' — a conspiracy to poach 15 MLAs and topple the ruling TVK government .
MLA Dr Ilayaraja alleged he was offered ₹35 crore to switch allegiance, per the original complaint.
A Special Investigation Team posed more than 50 questions to the brothers, confronting them with seized documents.
14 people have been arrested so far; further arrests are not being ruled out.
Both brothers are on anticipatory bail and must report to the police station twice daily under court conditions.
Former Electricity Minister V. Senthil Balaji and his younger brother Ashok Kumar appeared before the Triplicane Police Station in Chennai for a second straight day of questioning on Sunday, 27 July, as investigators intensified their probe into the alleged conspiracy to destabilise the ruling TVK government led by Chief Minister Vijay. The duo's appearance follows a complaint alleging a coordinated bid to poach 15 MLAs in what investigators have referred to as the 'Meghalaya Project'.
Background: The MLA Poaching Complaint
Uthangarai TRC MLA Dr Ilayaraja filed the original complaint before Chennai Police Commissioner Amal Raj, alleging that a large-scale conspiracy was hatched to lure away legislators and engineer the collapse of the state government. According to the complaint, Dr Ilayaraja was allegedly offered a bribe of ₹35 crore to switch political allegiance. The Triplicane Police registered a case and launched an extensive investigation on the basis of this complaint.
Key Developments in the Probe
Investigators believe the alleged operation was designed to engineer defections within the ruling party and tilt the political balance in Tamil Nadu. So far, 14 people have been arrested in connection with the case. Both Senthil Balaji and Ashok Kumar have been named as accused during the course of the investigation.
The Chennai Principal Sessions Court earlier granted anticipatory bail to the brothers under stringent conditions, including a requirement to report to the Triplicane Police Station every morning and evening, sign the attendance register, and cooperate fully with investigators. In compliance with these directions, they appeared on both Saturday and Sunday.
What Investigators Are Probing
A Special Investigation Team led by Triplicane Deputy Commissioner Jayachandran, along with Additional Deputy Commissioner Kumaragurubaran and Assistant Commissioner Azhagu, questioned the brothers separately. According to police sources, investigators reportedly confronted the duo with documents seized during the probe and posed more than 50 questions relating to the alleged conspiracy, financial transactions, and purported efforts to influence elected representatives.
What Comes Next
Police officials confirmed that the questioning is part of an ongoing effort to map the alleged network behind the attempted MLA poaching. Officials indicated that further rounds of interrogation and additional arrests are not being ruled out as the investigation progresses. The case represents one of the most politically charged probes in Tamil Nadu in recent years, with implications for both the ruling TVK and opposition figures.
Point of View
Not opportunistic poaching. What is missing from the public record so far is any named principal who allegedly commissioned and funded the ₹35-crore offer; the 14 arrests to date appear to be intermediaries. Until the alleged financiers are named and charged, the case risks stalling at the periphery. The anticipatory bail granted to Senthil Balaji also limits investigators' leverage, making the daily questioning sessions the primary tool of pressure — a slow-burn approach that could either yield a breakthrough or allow the trail to go cold.
NationPress
26 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MLA poaching case involving Senthil Balaji?
It is an investigation into an alleged conspiracy, referred to as the 'Meghalaya Project', to bribe and lure away 15 MLAs in order to destabilise the TVK government in Tamil Nadu. The case was registered by Triplicane Police following a complaint by MLA Dr Ilayaraja, who alleged he was offered ₹35 crore to switch allegiance.
Why were Senthil Balaji and Ashok Kumar questioned for two days?
Both have been named as accused in the case. Under anticipatory bail conditions set by the Chennai Principal Sessions Court, they are required to report to Triplicane Police Station twice daily and cooperate fully with investigators, which led to back-to-back questioning sessions on Saturday and Sunday.
How many people have been arrested in the MLA poaching case?
As of Sunday, 27 July, 14 people have been arrested in connection with the case. Police officials have indicated that further arrests are not being ruled out as the investigation continues.
What is the 'Meghalaya Project' mentioned in the case?
The 'Meghalaya Project' is the alleged codename for the conspiracy to engineer defections within the ruling TVK party, according to the complaint filed by MLA Dr Ilayaraja. Investigators believe it was a broader plan to alter the political balance in Tamil Nadu by poaching legislators.
What conditions did the court set for Senthil Balaji's anticipatory bail?
The Chennai Principal Sessions Court granted anticipatory bail to Senthil Balaji and Ashok Kumar subject to stringent conditions, including reporting to Triplicane Police Station every morning and evening, signing the attendance register, and extending full cooperation to the Special Investigation Team.
