Vijay Wins Trust Vote, Secures Tamil Nadu Government
TVK chief survives crucial floor test as AIADMK rebellion deepens political crisis in opposition camp
- Vijay wins trust vote with support of 144 MLAs
- DMK walks out while AIADMK faction backs TVK
- Congress, Left parties and VCK support government
- AIADMK split widens after cross-voting by MLAs
GG News Bureau
Chennai, 13th May: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay on Wednesday won the crucial trust vote in the Assembly, securing his government’s position days after taking oath as the state’s first non-DMK and non-AIADMK Chief Minister in nearly six decades.
The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief received support from 144 MLAs during the floor test, while 22 members voted against the motion and five remained neutral.
Following the victory, Vijay declared, “The whistle has changed history,” referring to the TVK’s election symbol.
Allies Help TVK Cross Majority Mark
The trust vote became necessary after the TVK fell short of the majority mark in the 234-member Assembly despite emerging as the single-largest party with 108 seats in the May 4 election.
The government secured support from the Indian National Congress, the Communist Party of India, the Communist Party of India Marxist, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and the Indian Union Muslim League.
An additional vote came from the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam led by TTV Dhinakaran.
Vijay said his administration would protect minority rights and described his government as a “minority government”.
DMK Walkout, AIADMK Rift Deepens
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and its 59 MLAs staged a walkout during the trust vote.
The bigger political development, however, came from the split within the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
Around 24 AIADMK MLAs reportedly voted in favour of Vijay despite party chief Edappadi K Palaniswami directing legislators to oppose the TVK government.
Another AIADMK MLA abstained from voting, intensifying the internal leadership crisis within the party.
Internal Revolt Rocks AIADMK
The rebellion was reportedly led by senior AIADMK leaders CV Shanmugam and SP Velumani.
The dissident faction had earlier demanded that the AIADMK support the TVK government to remain politically relevant after multiple electoral defeats.
The AIADMK leadership responded sharply, accusing rebel leaders of attempting to secure ministerial positions in the Vijay government.
The latest developments have deepened uncertainty over the future of the AIADMK, which has struggled with internal divisions since the death of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in 2016.
