Chennai: In a decisive shift for Tamil Nadu politics, Chief Minister Joseph Vijay has successfully cleared the floor test in the State Assembly. The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government secured 144 votes, bolstered by a critical bloc of rebel AIADMK legislators led by C V Shanmugam.

While AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami had reiterated that his party would vote against the government, the internal rebellion proved pivotal in cementing Vijay’s majority. The main Opposition, DMK, chose to abstain from the proceedings. Despite the victory, the political atmosphere remains charged as the opposition grapples with the fallout of the floor test and the realignment of legislative loyalties.

VCK also extended support to avoid Governor's rule, besides CPM and CPI. Expelled AMMK MLA also extended his support to Vijay, besides the IUML MLAs.

Shanmugam had recently alleged that a majority within the party had shot down a proposal to form a government backed by the DMK. In a move that hinted at a major shift in alliances, CM Vijay visited Shanmugam’s office on Tuesday evening.

In a bid to maintain order, the AIADMK has issued a formal whip. Party MP I S Inbadurai warned on social media that any MLA defying the directive would face disqualification under the anti-defection law, noting that any deviation from the leadership of Edappadi K Palaniswami "would attract provisions of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution”.

Meanwhile, AMMK general secretary TTV Dhinakaran has already taken strict action against dissent, expelling MLA S Kamaraj from the party after he pledged support to Vijay’s TVK government. 
Having secured 108 seats in the recent elections, Vijay successfully demonstrated his strength to the Governor by forming a coalition with the Congress (5 seats), and the CPI, CPM, VCK and IUML (2 seats each). This alliance brought his total to 121 supporters, enabling him to assume office.

(With Agency inputs)