Chennai, May 13: Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s Tamilga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) government is set to face a significant confidence vote in the Tamil Nadu Assembly today. Amid rising discord within the AIADMK, the ruling coalition appears to be in a strong position to prove its majority.
In the recent assembly elections, Vijay’s TVK emerged as the largest party, securing 108 seats in the 234-member assembly. However, the party fell short of the majority mark of 118, leading to uncertainty regarding government formation. Subsequently, Vijay took the oath of office with support from Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK, and the Indian Union Muslim League.
Following this, the ruling party’s numbers dropped to 107 when Vijay resigned from one of the two assembly seats in Tiruchi East. The acting Governor, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, has directed the new government to prove its majority in the house by today.
The assembly session will commence at 9:30 AM, where Vijay is expected to present a confidence motion to secure the house’s support. A brief debate between the ruling and opposition parties will follow, leading to a vote to determine if the government has majority backing.
Political dynamics have strengthened in favor of the TVK government after over 30 AIADMK legislators, led by senior leader C.V. Shanmugam, decided to support the ruling administration. Additionally, Kamaraj, the MLA from Mannargudi elected on an MMK ticket, has also announced his support for Vijay’s government.
Meanwhile, the Madras High Court has barred TVK MLA Srinivasan Sethupathi from Tirupattur from participating in the confidence vote, following a petition filed by DMK candidate Periyakaruppan.
Despite this setback, the ruling faction claims to have the support of 119 legislators, including 106 from TVK, five from Congress, and two each from CPI, CPI(M), and IUML. AIADMK Rajya Sabha MP Inbadurai has warned party legislators against violating the official whip.
He stated that any MLA who abstains from voting, remains neutral, or votes in favor of the government could be disqualified under anti-defection laws. The confidence vote will not be conducted via secret ballot. According to assembly procedures and constitutional provisions, the Speaker may conduct the vote by voice or division.
If the government fails to secure majority support, the Governor may recommend the dismissal of the government and the imposition of President’s rule under Article 174 of the Constitution.
Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
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