We were offered crores of rupees, ministerial posts, but we stood by principles, claims IUML Vaniyambadi MLA
IUML MLA S.S.P. Syed Farooq Basha claims that his party rejected offers of money and cabinet positions from political rivals after the recent Assembly polls. He emphasized the party's commitment to its principles and its ongoing alliance with the ruling TVK party.
Why it matters
The statement highlights internal political maneuvering and the dynamics of coalition politics in the state of Tamil Nadu.
Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) Legislature Party Leader and Vaniyambadi MLA S.S.P. Syed Farooq Basha on Sunday claimed that after the recently held Assembly polls, IUML elected representatives “were offered crores of rupees and Cabinet berths (of their choice)” by key leaders of political parties but the party “strongly stood by its principles”.
Addressing the cadre and party functionaries at the district-level general body meeting in Tiruvannamalai, he said “known key leaders of political parties” came to him and A.M. Shahjahan, IUML MLA for Papanasam constituency, and “offered crores of rupees to support the party”.
Mr. Basha said they were also given their choice of Cabinet berths. “They thought the IUML could not resist such an offer, but we were not tempted. We stood by our principles. In such a scenario, we were invited and given Cabinet berths by the TVK,” he added.
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