Floor Test Turns Turbulent As AIADMK Rift Explodes In Open House
Major political drama erupted inside the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Wednesday after Edappadi K Palaniswami alleged that attempts were made to lure AIADMK legislators with cash and ministerial positions ahead of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s crucial confidence vote.
The heated proceedings exposed growing divisions within the AIADMK as rival leaders publicly took opposing stands on whether to support the Vijay-led government.
EPS Alleges Horse-Trading During Trust Vote
Speaking during the Assembly debate, Palaniswami claimed that several AIADMK MLAs were approached in an effort to influence the outcome of the floor test.
“There have been horse-trading attempts to poach AIADMK MLAs. I have got information that some might get ministerial berths and take part in the ruling government,” EPS alleged during the session.
The former Chief Minister announced that all 47 AIADMK MLAs would vote against the confidence motion and asserted that the party had sought votes independently during the elections.
“We oppose the resolution. All AIADMK MLAs will vote against it,” he declared.
SP Velumani Breaks Party Line, Backs Vijay Government
The Assembly witnessed further chaos when Speaker JCD Prabhakar permitted AIADMK MLA SP Velumani to address the House immediately after EPS.
The move triggered protests from the Palaniswami camp, which argued that two leaders from the same party should not simultaneously present separate positions during the debate.
Defying the official AIADMK stance, Velumani openly extended support to Vijay’s government.
“Respecting the wish of the people, the AIADMK supports the Confidence Motion brought by CM,” Velumani said in the Assembly.
Later, Vijay thanked Velumani while addressing the House during the debate.
Vijay Wins Confidence Motion With 144 Votes
Despite intense political confrontation, Vijay comfortably won the floor test with the backing of 144 MLAs, significantly higher than the required majority mark.
The newly sworn-in Chief Minister had entered the trust vote with support from multiple alliance partners and independent legislators.
The successful confidence motion further strengthened Vijay’s hold over the Assembly just days after assuming office.
DMK Walks Out After Attacking Government
Adding to the dramatic session, Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin launched a sharp criticism of the TVK-led administration before the DMK staged a walkout.
Questioning the legitimacy of the government’s mandate, Udhayanidhi argued that a majority of voters had not backed Vijay during the elections.
He also accused the ruling side of depending heavily on external political support to avoid constitutional instability in the state.
The Assembly proceedings highlighted deepening political tensions in Tamil Nadu, with cracks inside the AIADMK emerging publicly during one of the most significant floor tests in recent years.
