Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) successfully navigated a critical floor test in the state assembly on May 13, 2026, securing the support of 144 Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs). This decisive vote solidifies TVK's position and highlights significant internal dissent within the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).
The 144 MLAs who voted in favor of Chief Minister Vijay's government included five from the Congress party, two each from the Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). Additionally, one MLA from the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) extended support. Crucially, 30 AIADMK legislators also broke ranks to back Vijay, exposing profound fissures within their party.
DMK Walkout Impacts Majority Threshold
In the 232-seat Tamil Nadu assembly, the standard majority mark stands at 117. However, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) staged a walkout during the proceedings. This action reduced the effective majority threshold to 88, providing an immediate advantage to the TVK government.
Following the vote, only 17 legislators remained loyal to AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palanisami, underscoring the extent of the party's internal divisions. S. P. Velumani, commenting on the rebel AIADMK faction's support for Vijay, stated, “We are not asking for any posts in the ministry,” suggesting an unconditional backing.
Chief Minister Vijay Expresses Gratitude
Chief Minister Joseph Vijay, an actor-turned-politician, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all the MLAs who supported his government. He emphasized that his administration operates with "horse-speed" and does not engage in "horse-trading," a term often used to describe unethical political maneuvering to secure votes.
A total of 22 MLAs did not support the government, while five abstained from voting entirely during the floor test. The outcome marks a significant political development in Tamil Nadu, reaffirming TVK's leadership and reshaping the state's political landscape.