C. Joseph Vijay's Historic Floor Test in Tamil Nadu Assembly

C. Joseph Vijay, the actor-turned-politician, is set to prove his majority in the Tamil Nadu assembly, marking a historic moment with the first-ever live broadcast of a floor test. With 107 seats in hand and support from various coalition partners, Vijay's political future hangs in the balance as the opposition DMK plans to abstain from voting. Amidst internal strife in AIADMK, Vijay's coalition aims to secure a strong majority, while legal challenges loom over one of his legislators. This pivotal moment could reshape Tamil Nadu's political landscape.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 13, 2026, 09:59 IST

A New Chapter in Tamil Nadu Politics

Today marks a significant moment in Tamil Nadu's political landscape as C. Joseph Vijay, the actor-turned-politician and leader of the Tamilga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), prepares to demonstrate his majority in the assembly. This is a historic first, as the proceedings of the floor test will be broadcast live for the public.

To maintain his position as Chief Minister, Vijay requires a crucial number of votes. Currently, the situation stands as follows: TVK holds 107 seats after Vijay vacated the Tiruchirappalli East seat. His coalition partners include Congress (5), IUML (2), VCK (2), CPI (2), and CPM (2), bringing the total support to approximately 120 members (121-1).

Latest Updates

The opposition party, DMK, which has 59 legislators, is expected to abstain from the confidence vote and may walk out during the voting process.

All rebel legislators from AIADMK have gathered in the assembly, while AIADMK members have visited the residence of their General Secretary, Edappadi K. Palaniswami.

Current Support for Vijay in the Assembly

TVK currently holds 107 seats in the assembly, following Vijay's departure from the Tiruchirappalli East seat. The party also enjoys the backing of 13 legislators from Congress, IUML, VCK, CPI, and CPM.

However, the Madras High Court has barred TVK legislator Srinivasa Setupati from participating in the floor test, reducing the number of supportive legislators for Vijay. AMMK legislator S. Kamaraj has shifted his stance and pledged support to Vijay's TVK, reversing his previous allegations of fraud.

Rebellion in AIADMK Before the Floor Test

Just before the floor test, a rebellion has erupted within AIADMK, with a faction led by senior leaders VC Shanmugam and SP Velumani announcing their support for TVK.

AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi Palaniswami has issued a whip to the legislators, instructing them to vote against TVK, putting any dissenting member at risk of disqualification for cross-voting. The sole AMMK legislator, S. Kamaraj, publicly declared his support for TVK within the assembly, leading to his expulsion from the party by AMMK founder TTV Dhinakaran.

Vijay's Majority Confirmation

Vijay has confirmed his majority before the Governor. His party secured 108 seats in the elections, receiving support from Congress (five seats) and CPI, CPI(M), VCK, and IUML, each holding two seats. This coalition now boasts a total strength of 121 seats, enabling Vijay to take the oath as Chief Minister.