Tamil Nadu Floor Test Today: Vijay Claims Support of Over 150 MLAs
Vijay Faces Floor Test Today as Rebel AIADMK MLAs Back TVK Government: The floor test of Tamil Nadu’s new Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay will be held in the Assembly today, where he is expected to prove his majority. Ahead of the crucial test, Vijay surprised political circles by meeting rebel AIADMK leaders C. V. Shanmugam and S. P. Velumani. Out of nearly 47 AIADMK MLAs, around 30 legislators have reportedly rebelled and announced support for Vijay’s government, saying they want to respect the people’s mandate and ensure political stability in the state.
The rebel faction has elected S. P. Velumani as its legislative party leader, triggering panic in the camp of former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami. Palaniswami has warned of strict disciplinary action against the rebel MLAs. In the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, the majority mark stands at 118. After receiving support from the rebel AIADMK MLAs, Vijay’s government is believed to have crossed the 150-member support mark comfortably.
However, a minor hurdle remains after the High Court stayed the voting rights of Tirupattur MLA Srinivas Sethupathi. Apart from AIADMK rebels, Vijay is also said to be in touch with alliance leaders from parties such as the IUML, Congress and PMK. He has even met DMK chief M. K. Stalin ahead of the trust vote. Political observers believe today’s floor test is not just a formality, but a major political battle that could challenge the decades-long dominance of Dravidian parties in Tamil Nadu politics.
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