Tamil Nadu Assembly Floor Test Highlights: C. Joseph Vijay-Led TVK Government Wins Crucial Trust Vote

The Supreme Court on Wednesday stayed the Madras High Court’s interim order that had barred TVK MLA Sreenivasa Sethupathi from participating in the Tamil Nadu Assembly floor test. The apex court also paused further proceedings in the High Court case filed by DMK candidate K. R. Periakaruppan, who had challenged Sethupathi’s narrow election victory over an alleged postal ballot irregularity.

Responding to allegations raised during the confidence motion debate, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay said his government believed in functioning with “horse speed” rather than engaging in horse-trading. He also stated that the TVK-led administration would continue to follow a secular approach and carry forward welfare measures introduced by previous governments.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay won the Assembly confidence motion with 144 MLAs voting in favour of the TVK-led government. MLAs from the C. V. Shanmugam-led AIADMK faction backed the government during the vote, while the Edappadi K. Palaniswami camp voted against it. During the debate, DMK legislators staged a walkout from the Assembly before the voting process took place.

Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin criticised the TVK government during the confidence motion debate, alleging attempts to encourage defections and calling the recent political developments “meme content”. He also attacked the Vijay-led administration by saying Tamil Nadu needed a “real government, not a reel government”, while questioning the support extended to TVK by sections of the AIADMK.

AIADMK chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami said all party MLAs would vote against the Vijay-led government during the Assembly confidence motion. Addressing the House, he also alleged attempts at horse-trading and claimed rumours were circulating about legislators being approached with monetary offers to switch sides. Palaniswami further said the TVK government should function transparently and respect the opposition mandate.

DMDK leader Premalatha Vijayakanth criticised the appointment of astrologer Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as Special Political Officer in the Chief Minister’s Office during the Assembly debate on the confidence motion. She said personal spiritual advisors should remain outside government positions and questioned the message being sent to young people through the appointment.

Expelled AMMK MLA S. Kamaraj announced support for the TVK government during the Assembly proceedings. While addressing the Assembly, Kamaraj also requested Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to ensure his protection.

Congress leader Rajesh Kumar announced support for the TVK government during the confidence motion, stating that the vote was about upholding democratic values and social justice. He said the party respected the mandate given by the people and stressed the need to preserve communal harmony in the state. Meanwhile, VCK leader Vanniyarasu, speaking on behalf of the IUML, CPI, CPM and VCK, also extended support to the Vijay-led government in the Assembly.

TVK legislators arrived at the Tamil Nadu Assembly ahead of the crucial trust vote proceedings on Wednesday. Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, who is facing his first floor test after taking office, has formally moved the resolution seeking a vote of confidence in the House.

The Supreme Court is set to hear a petition filed by TVK MLA Seenivasa Sethupathi challenging the Madras High Court’s interim order barring him from taking part in the Tamil Nadu Assembly floor test proceedings. The restriction was imposed following a petition by DMK leader K. R. Periakaruppan, who lost the Tiruppattur constituency by one vote and alleged irregularities involving a postal ballot during the counting process.