Tamil Nadu Assembly Floor Test Updates: AIADMK Faction, AMMK MLA Extend Support To Vijay Ahead Of Trust Vote

Tamil Nadu Assembly Floor Test Updates: Political developments continued to unfold rapidly in Tamil Nadu on Tuesday, a day before Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay is scheduled to face a crucial floor test in the Assembly. The developments came as the newly formed TVK-led coalition government moved closer to proving its majority in the 234-member House.

In a significant procedural development, senior TVK leader JCD Prabhakar was elected unopposed as the Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. M. Ravishankar was also elected Deputy Speaker without opposition. Pro-tem Speaker M. V. Karuppaiah formally announced their election in the House.

The election of both office-bearers without contest was viewed as an important political moment for the ruling coalition, particularly because opposition parties including the DMK and AIADMK did not field candidates against them. Following the announcement, Prabhakar and Ravishankar were escorted to the Speaker's chair by senior TVK leader K A Sengottaiyan and Opposition leader Udhayanidhi Stalin.

Tuesday also marked Vijay's first address in the Assembly after assuming office as Chief Minister two days ago. The TVK founder, who took oath on May 10, is expected to seek a vote of confidence on May 13 to formally establish the majority of his coalition government.

AIADMK Faction, AMMK MLA Back TVK Ahead Of Tamil Nadu Floor Test

Ahead of the trust vote, the ruling alliance received fresh political backing from sections of the opposition. A faction within the AIADMK led by senior leader C. V. Shanmugam announced support for the TVK government. The group stated that dissatisfaction over speculation surrounding a possible DMK-AIADMK understanding had contributed to the decision.

Shanmugam clarified that the move was not intended to split the AIADMK, but reflected concerns within the party following repeated electoral setbacks. He also indicated that he intended to meet Vijay on Tuesday.

Further support came from AMMK MLA S. Kamaraj, who announced in the Assembly that he would back the TVK government during the confidence motion. Kamaraj said he had decided to support Vijay after observing the level of support the Chief Minister had received from younger voters across the state.

The latest political shifts come as TVK works to strengthen its position ahead of the floor test. The party currently holds 107 seats in the Assembly and depends on alliance partners including Congress, VCK, IUML and Left parties to cross the majority mark of 118. With allied support, the coalition's strength has reportedly reached 120 MLAs.

Meanwhile, a legal development also added uncertainty ahead of Wednesday's proceedings. According to reports, the Madras High Court restrained TVK MLA Srinivasa Sethupathi from participating in Assembly proceedings, including the upcoming confidence vote.

The interim order was passed while hearing a petition filed by former DMK minister K. R. Periyakaruppan, who had narrowly lost the Tirupattur constituency by one vote. The plea raised concerns regarding the handling of a postal ballot during the counting process.

Ahead of the floor test, Vijay also held meetings with former Chief Minister M. K. Stalin and other political leaders as the state prepares for a crucial Assembly confidence vote.