Vijay's TVK Wins Floor Test With 144 Votes In Tamil Nadu Assembly

The TVK government in Tamil Nadu gains a clear majority through support from Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK, IUML and an expelled MLA, positioning the administration to pass the confidence motion and pursue its policy agenda.

Actor-turned-politician Vijay's TVK has won the floor test on Wednesday as he got the backing of 144 members in the Tamil Nadu Assembly.

The TVK, which holds 107 seats after Vijay retained Perambur and resigned from Trichy East, had 106 voting members following a Madras High Court directive barring TVK MLA Srinivasa Sethupathi from participating. With the support of allies including Congress (5 seats), CPI, CPI(M), VCK, and IUML (2 seats each), along with expelled AMMK MLA Kamaraj, the coalition's strength stood at 120.

During the voting, 22 MLAs opposed the motion and five abstained, while the DMK staged a walkout, reducing the effective strength of the House. The final tally revealed that a section of AIADMK legislators defied the party whip, contributing to Vijay's majority.

AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) had earlier declared that all 47 party MLAs would vote against the government. However, the Assembly witnessed sharp divisions within the AIADMK ranks, with former minister SP Velumani's remarks drawing objections from EPS loyalists. EPS further alleged that attempts were being made to lure MLAs with promises of ministerial posts and board chairmanships, while insisting that the AIADMK would function as a "responsible Opposition."

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin led the DMK walkout, accusing the TVK of poaching allies. "Once we walk out, you will get the majority. Govern well with it. I request you not to politicise the welfare schemes introduced by our government," he said.

The floor test victory cements TVK's position as the ruling party, marking a historic shift in Tamil Nadu politics as the state moves beyond the traditional DMK-AIADMK rivalry.

Congress, CPI(M) and VCK legislators declared support when the Tamil Nadu Assembly took up the confidence motion. The Indian Union Muslim League, which has two MLAs, also aligned with the TVK government. During the debate, allies outlined both their backing and clear expectations from the largest party in the House.

Speaking in the Assembly, VCK MLA Vanni Arasu said that secular forces had extended unconditional support to the TVK government and voiced faith that the administration would complete its five-year tenure. Vanni Arasu said support was meant to block the BJP’s alleged indirect efforts to bring in Governor’s rule and to defend state rights.

Vanni Arasu praised Chief Minister Vijay for meeting opposition leaders after taking office and described the gestures as an example of political civility. The VCK MLA urged the TVK government to strongly highlight concerns over state rights, fishermen’s safety and constituency delimitation, both within the Assembly and before the Union government.

The VCK representative also called for a special law against honour killings, pointing out that such incidents are reportedly rising in Tamil Nadu. Vanni Arasu pressed the TVK government to implement the recommendations of the Justice Basha Commission, and insisted that existing welfare schemes, including the breakfast scheme, Tamil Pudhalvan scheme and 200 free electricity units, continue for five years.

Another request from Vanni Arasu was for a dedicated law against superstitious practices, Astrology, black magic and deceptive rituals, similar to legislation in some other states. The appeal came soon after TVK spokesperson and astrologer Radhan Pandit Vettrivel was appointed as Personal Secretary to Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay.

Vanni Arasu further asked the TVK government to observe 18 May in solidarity with Eelam Tamils. The MLA urged the state to seek Indian citizenship for Sri Lankan Tamils living in camps, arguing that the community required long-term security and recognition after many years in India.

Expelled AMMK MLA Kamaraj openly backed the TVK government on the floor of the House. Kamaraj said, "I supported the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government yesterday, I support it today, and I will continue to support it for the next five years. CM Vijay is protecting the entire state. I believe he will not leave me either. I am sure our Vijay will protect and save me too."

Amid these reports, Vijay visited the office of CV Shanmugam on Tuesday, a move read in political circles as a sign of shifting equations in the legislature.

With inputs from ANI