Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Wins Floor Test with 144 Votes Amid AIADMK Split

Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s government comfortably passed its maiden floor test in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Wednesday, securing 144 votes in favour of the confidence motion. The victory came after a section of AIADMK MLAs broke ranks to back the newly formed TVK-led dispensation, even as the main opposition DMK staged a walkout. 

In a related development, the state government swiftly revoked the controversial appointment of astrologer Ricky Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as Officer on Special Duty (Political) to the Chief Minister following backlash.

Trust Vote Outcome

Assembly Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar announced the results after a voice vote turned into a division. While 144 MLAs supported the motion, 22 voted against it and five abstained. Those backing the government included several rebel AIADMK legislators, whose support proved decisive for the fledgling administration that assumed office just three days ago.

The Speaker later lauded the outcome, noting that the party which won the people’s mandate had now demonstrated its strength in the House as well.

DMK’s Strong Opposition and Walkout

Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin launched a sharp attack on the ruling arrangement during the debate. He questioned the legitimacy of the government, pointing out that it did not have the required 118 seats on its own strength and had relied on support from parties that were once part of the DMK alliance.

Stalin criticised Chief Minister Vijay for meeting AIADMK rebel MLAs and asked whether this represented “change” or mere “exchange.” As he concluded his speech, DMK MLAs walked out of the House in protest.

Astrologer Appointment Rolled Back

In a notable administrative move, the government cancelled the order appointing Ricky Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as OSD. The decision came hours after criticism in the Assembly, including from Manithaneya Jananayaga Katchi leader Thamimun Ansari, who argued that astrology had no place in governance.

The quick revocation is being seen as an attempt to blunt early criticism of the new regime and project an image of responsiveness.

Cross-Party Support and Abstentions

The trust vote witnessed interesting alignments. Parties such as Congress, CPI(M), and VCK extended support to the Vijay government, citing the need to prevent any imposition of central rule and to safeguard state interests. VCK MLA Vanni Arasu emphasised that their backing was unconditional but expected the government to firmly protect Tamil Nadu’s rights on issues like delimitation and fishermen’s concerns.

Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) chose to abstain, while the BJP’s lone MLA maintained neutrality. AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami expressed displeasure over some party colleagues siding with the new government.

Background and Political Context

Joseph Vijay was sworn in as the ninth Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on May 10, 2026, after his party TVK emerged as a major force in the recent elections. The Governor had directed him to prove majority by May 13.

The floor test was marked by high drama. Doors of the Assembly were closed, and members were asked to remain in their seats as voting proceeded block-wise. The Supreme Court also stayed a Madras High Court order that had restrained one TVK MLA from participating.

Several AIADMK leaders, including those led by figures like Velumani, announced support for the motion, reflecting deep fissures within the opposition party that has suffered successive electoral setbacks.

Vijay’s Reply and Assurance

Replying to the debate, Chief Minister Vijay asserted that his government would remain secular and work with speed and integrity. “This government will run with the speed of a horse and will not take part in horse trading,” he said, drawing attention from both sides of the House.

After the vote, he thanked legislators who supported the motion. The Assembly was later adjourned sine die.

The successful floor test provides political stability to the Vijay government in the immediate term, though it will now have to navigate a fragmented House and address pressing issues such as the recently cancelled NEET UG 2026 examination, which was also raised during the proceedings.

Political observers will be watching closely how the new administration balances its diverse support base while delivering on governance promises in the days ahead.

Bihar’s newly formed political landscape witnessed significant activity on Friday as Chief Minister Samrat Chowdhury engaged in a series of high-level meetings and public interactions, ahead of the crucial Samrat Chowdhury trust vote scheduled for April 24 in the state Assembly. The trust vote will determine whether the new government commands a clear majority in the House.

The day saw former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar visiting the CM’s residence in Patna, marking an important political engagement amid ongoing adjustments in the state’s leadership structure.

Nitish Meets CM Samrat

According to officials and political observers, Nitish Kumar met CM Samrat Chowdhury at his residence on 5 Deshratna Marg. The meeting, which lasted around 20 minutes, reportedly focused on the prevailing political situation in Bihar.

During the interaction, Nitish Kumar also met Deputy Chief Ministers Vijay Kumar Sinha and Bijendra Prasad Yadav. The meeting drew attention as visuals showed Nitish Kumar smiling and placing a hand on CM Samrat’s shoulder, indicating a cordial exchange.

Assembly Session Scheduled

The Bihar Assembly has been convened for a special session on April 24, during which CM Samrat Chowdhury will move a confidence motion to prove his majority.

Officials confirmed that the session will be crucial for the stability of the government. The Samrat Chowdhury trust vote is expected to bring clarity on the ruling coalition’s strength in the House.

Political analysts are closely watching the developments as parties prepare for floor strategies ahead of the vote.

Confidence Motion Plan

Sources indicate that the Chief Minister is expected to present the confidence motion early in the Assembly proceedings. Lawmakers will then debate and vote on the motion as per constitutional procedures.

The government has expressed confidence in securing the numbers required, though opposition parties are expected to challenge the claim of majority during the session.

Liquor Ban Stance

Reaffirming a key policy position, CM Samrat Chowdhury on Friday stated that the prohibition law in Bihar will remain in force. Addressing the media, he said there would be no reconsideration of the liquor ban policy.

He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier appreciated the decision, reinforcing the government’s stance.

The statement comes amid renewed political debate over the policy, with some legislators raising concerns about enforcement challenges and revenue implications.

Remarks on Cabinet Entry

CM Samrat Chowdhury also responded to speculation regarding the possible inclusion of Nitish Kumar’s son, Nishant Kumar, in the state cabinet. He said that such decisions rest entirely with Nitish Kumar and Nishant Kumar, and the government has no direct role in it.

He added that it would be a matter of satisfaction if Nishant Kumar joins the cabinet in the future, while maintaining that no formal decision has been taken.

Administrative Engagements Ahead

Ahead of the trust vote, CM Samrat Chowdhury is scheduled to meet officials at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat and hold administrative review meetings. The discussions are expected to focus on governance priorities and coordination among departments.

With the Samrat Chowdhury trust vote approaching, both political and administrative activity is expected to intensify in the coming days as parties prepare for a decisive session in the Bihar Assembly.

What Next

All eyes are now on April 24 when the Bihar Assembly convenes for the trust vote. The outcome will determine the political direction of the state government and set the tone for future policy and governance decisions in Bihar.