AIADMK Factions Reconcile: No Action Against 21 MLAs Who Backed CM Vijay During Floor Test

A new chapter of political reconciliation appears to have begun in Tamil Nadu as rival factions within the AIADMK have reached a compromise, resulting in relief for 21 party MLAs who had supported Chief Minister Vijay’s government during a crucial floor test.

Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker JCD Prabhakar announced that no action would be taken against the legislators who voted in favor of the ruling TVK government during the confidence vote held on May 13. The decision comes shortly after a rapprochement between opposing factions of the AIADMK.

The Speaker’s move follows a formal request from AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), urging authorities to close the matter and avoid punitive action against the rebel lawmakers under anti-defection laws.

The political crisis emerged when a faction of at least 25 AIADMK MLAs, reportedly led by rebel leaders C.V. Shanmugam and S.P. Velumani, voted in support of the Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government during the floor test. Their backing significantly boosted the ruling coalition’s numbers in the Assembly, raising its support from 119 to 144 and ensuring a comfortable majority for actor-turned-politician Chief Minister Vijay.

Meanwhile, 22 MLAs loyal to EPS voted against Vijay’s government, exposing sharp divisions within the opposition party and weakening Palaniswami’s political standing at the time. However, the situation has since stabilized, with reports indicating that five rebel MLAs have returned to the EPS camp, increasing the number of legislators backing him to 27 in the Assembly.

Despite the rebellion, the dissident group lacked the required numbers to formally merge with TVK under India’s anti-defection law. Under the rules, at least two-thirds of a legislative party must support a merger to avoid disqualification. In AIADMK’s case, the threshold stood at 31 MLAs, leaving the rebel faction short of the requirement.

Following the floor test drama, both AIADMK factions had approached the Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker, seeking disqualification of rival legislators under anti-defection provisions. However, the recent reconciliation between the camps appears to have resolved the dispute.

Notably, four of the 25 rebel MLAs who voted in favor of the TVK government reportedly joined Vijay’s party formally in recent days.

In the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, AIADMK secured 47 seats, while Vijay-led TVK emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats but fell short of the majority mark. TVK subsequently formed the government with support from Congress, IUML, VCK, and Left parties.

The reconciliation within AIADMK could reshape opposition politics in Tamil Nadu, even as Chief Minister Vijay continues to consolidate his position in the state’s evolving political landscape.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. While we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, News Setu makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the content. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.