Tamil Nadu CM Vijay seeks a vote of confidence today as a major ADMK rebel faction pledges support, potentially reshaping the state's political landscape.
Chennai: The rebel AIADMK MLAs, who have raised a banner of revolt against party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, have declared their support for Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay. Following these new political developments, it is expected that a faction of the AIADMK will split to join the TVK Cabinet, thereby consolidating the ruling party's position.
The internal rift within the AIADMK came to the fore just as the TVK—the single largest party in the Tamil Nadu Assembly—is set to seek a vote of confidence on Wednesday, following the unopposed election of the Speaker.
On Tuesday, MLA C V Shanmugam, who leads the rebel faction, stated that they would support the TVK government in the assembly, asserting that the public mandate lies with Chief Minister Vijay. Hours later, Chief Minister Vijay visited Shanmugam’s residence to meet with the rebel MLAs.
It is believed that out of the 47 AIADMK MLAs in the State Assembly, 36 support the faction led by C V Shanmugam and S P Velumani. On Monday and Tuesday, the party's MLAs arrived at the assembly in two distinct camps, with only 11 remaining on the side of general secretary Edappadi Palaniswami. The official faction maintains that the party's decision is to vote against the government during the confidence motion on Wednesday and warns of disciplinary action against those who defy it. However, the rival group asserts that S P Velumani is the legislative party leader and that they have decided to submit a letter supporting the government.
Following an election where no single party secured a clear majority, the TVK formed the government with the support of the Congress, CPM, CPI, VCK and the Muslim League.
In the 234-member house, the TVK currently holds the support of 120 members. In addition, AMMK MLA S Kanagaraj announced his support for the TVK on Tuesday.
Since the Opposition did not field candidates, the Speaker election on Tuesday was unanimous; TVK’s J C D Prabhakar was elected as Speaker and Ravishankar as Deputy Speaker. The main Opposition, DMK, has not yet clarified its stance regarding the vote of confidence.
Published: 13 May 2026, 07:23 am IST
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