The TVK government in Tamil Nadu gains a clear majority through support from Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK, IUML and an expelled MLA, positioning the administration to pass the confidence motion and pursue its policy agenda.
Chennai
-Oneindia English Desk
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and TVK president C Joseph Vijay appears set to win the floor test, with support now crossing the majority mark of 117 MLAs in the Assembly. The TVK government has secured backing from Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK, IUML and expelled AMMK MLA Kamaraj.
The TVK holds 106 seats after Vijay resigned from Trichy East and bretained Perambur. One TVK legislator has been temporarily barred from participating in Assembly proceedings, including the trust vote. Congress adds five MLAs, while CPI, CPI(M), VCK and IUML contribute two members each. With one expelled AMMK MLA also on board, the ruling bloc currently stands at 120 MLAs, comfortably above the halfway mark.
Tamil Nadu CM C Joseph Vijay’s TVK government secured support from 120 MLAs, including coalition partners and an expelled MLA, crossing the majority mark for a floor test, with allies pressing for state rights and welfare continuation.
| Party / Group | Number of MLAs supporting TVK government |
|---|---|
| TVK | 106 |
| Congress | 5 |
| CPI | 2 |
| CPI(M) | 2 |
| VCK | 2 |
| IUML | 2 |
| Expelled AMMK MLA | 1 |
Wider backing for TVK government in the Assembly
Congress, CPI(M) and VCK legislators formally declared support when the Tamil Nadu Assembly took up the confidence motion. The Indian Union Muslim League, which has two MLAs, also aligned with the TVK government. During the debate, allies outlined both their backing and clear expectations from the largest party in the House.
Speaking in the Assembly, VCK MLA Vanni Arasu said that secular forces had extended unconditional support to the TVK government and voiced faith that the administration would complete its five-year tenure. Vanni Arasu said support was meant to block the BJP’s alleged indirect efforts to bring in Governor’s rule and to defend state rights.
Allies press issues before TVK government
Vanni Arasu praised Chief Minister Vijay for meeting opposition leaders after taking office and described the gestures as an example of political civility. The VCK MLA urged the TVK government to strongly highlight concerns over state rights, fishermen’s safety and constituency delimitation, both within the Assembly and before the Union government.
The VCK representative also called for a special law against honour killings, pointing out that such incidents are reportedly rising in Tamil Nadu. Vanni Arasu pressed the TVK government to implement the recommendations of the Justice Basha Commission, and insisted that existing welfare schemes, including the breakfast scheme, Tamil Pudhalvan scheme and 200 free electricity units, continue for five years.
Another request from Vanni Arasu was for a dedicated law against superstitious practices, Astrology, black magic and deceptive rituals, similar to legislation in some other states. The appeal came soon after TVK spokesperson and astrologer Radhan Pandit Vettrivel was appointed as Personal Secretary to Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay.
Vanni Arasu further asked the TVK government to observe 18 May in solidarity with Eelam Tamils. The MLA urged the state to seek Indian citizenship for Sri Lankan Tamils living in camps, arguing that the community required long-term security and recognition after many years in India.
Expelled AMMK MLA Kamaraj openly backed the TVK government on the floor of the House. Kamaraj said, “I supported the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government yesterday, I support it today, and I will continue to support it for the next five years. CM Vijay is protecting the entire state. I believe he will not leave me either. I am sure our Vijay will protect and save me too.”
While the floor test unfolds, the opposition AIADMK faces internal uncertainty, with talk of two emerging groups. One set of MLAs is seen as close to former minister CV Shanmugam, while another backs former Chief Minister and party General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami.
Amid these reports, Vijay visited the office of CV Shanmugam on Tuesday, a move read in political circles as a sign of shifting equations in the legislature. An AIADMK MLA told ANI, “All decisions will be taken by Edappadi K Palaniswami. About 25 MLAs will come here. The majority is on our side. All the people will be at our party only. All will be convinced. There is no need to worry. We have a good experience with Edappadi. We will wait and see. All will be right.”
With 120 MLAs declared in support, the TVK government appears well placed to clear the confidence motion, while allies use the occasion to highlight rights, welfare and legal reforms. At the same time, developments within the AIADMK and Vijay’s outreach to CV Shanmugam suggest the opposition space remains fluid.
With inputs from ANI
