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.