Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Triumphs in Floor Test; Kerala CM Decision Imminent

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay comfortably proved his majority in the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, May 13, securing 144 votes. The victory solidifies the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government’s position, aided significantly by a major defection within the primary opposition.

Rebel AIADMK Faction Boosts Vijay’s Tally

The floor test exposed a widening rift within the AIADMK. Despite a stern warning and a whip issued by General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), a rebel faction led by senior leaders C. V. Shanmugam and S. P. Velumani voted in favor of Vijay. This defiance triggered chaotic scenes and ruckus within the House.

Vijay’s victory was further bolstered by a coalition of smaller parties and independent voices, including:

• CPI and CPI(M)
• Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK)
• Indian Union Muslim League (IUML)
• An expelled AMMK MLA

While the Chief Minister had already secured the required numbers through these alliances, his personal meeting with the rebel AIADMK legislators yesterday ensured a landslide margin.

Kerala Leadership Crisis: “White Smoke” Expected Today

In neighbouring Kerala, the week-long deadlock over the Chief Minister’s post is likely to end today. Following the Congress party’s victory in the assembly elections, high-level deliberations in New Delhi have reached their final stage.

Yesterday, a powerful delegation of Kerala Congress leaders met Rahul Gandhi to finalize the pick. The group included:

• Five former KPCC chiefs.
• The UDF convenor.
• The KPCC disciplinary committee head and three working presidents.

The Internal Vote: According to sources, the leadership remains divided but leaning toward a consensus. Seven leaders backed Congress MP K. C. Venugopal for the top job, while two veteran leaders—K. Muralidharan and V. M. Sudheeran—supported V. D. Satheesan. One leader remained neutral.

Kerala Congress President Sunny Joseph hinted at an imminent announcement on Tuesday, stating that “white smoke can be expected soon,” referencing the traditional signal used during a Papal election.

Soon after the motion was introduced on the floor of the House, MLAs belonging to the Congress Legislature Party and the CPI, CPI(M) formally extended their support to the Vijay-led administration, strengthening the ruling alliance’s position during the crucial floor test. Members of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) also backed the confidence motion, indicating broad support for the new government from its alliance partners. A section of rebel AIADMK legislators led by senior leaders C.Ve. Shanmugham and S.P. Velumani also extended support to the Vijay government during the trust vote proceedings. The move further deepened the internal crisis within the AIADMK, which has been witnessing an intense leadership tussle following the Assembly election defeat.