Tamil Nadu Assembly Confidence Vote Strengthens Vijay's Government

C. Joseph Vijay has successfully proven his majority in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, reinforcing the position of his government led by the Tamilga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK). With 144 votes in favor, Vijay surpassed the required majority, while the opposition faced a walkout from the DMK. This confidence vote has significant political implications, especially for the AIADMK, as some of its members reportedly crossed party lines to support Vijay. The developments may lead to increased scrutiny and discussions within the opposition ranks in the near future.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 13, 2026, 12:44 IST

Vijay Secures Majority in Tamil Nadu Assembly

On Wednesday, C. Joseph Vijay successfully demonstrated his majority in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, bolstering the position of the newly formed government led by the Tamilga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK). The confidence vote received backing from all coalition partners, including the Indian National Congress, leftist parties, and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), who had supported Vijay when he claimed to form the government before the governor. However, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) opted to walk out of the assembly during the proceedings.

Details of the Confidence Vote

Vijay won the confidence vote in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, with 144 legislators backing his government, surpassing the majority mark of 118. During the vote, DMK and DMK's ally legislators walked out, while four members from the PMK and one from the BJP abstained from voting. Additionally, AMMK legislator Kamaraj openly declared his support for Vijay in the assembly, which led to his expulsion from the AMMK.

Strengthening Support for TVK

Initially, Vijay's TVK party had fewer than the required 118 votes, but it has now solidified its support with 144 votes, while the opposition garnered 22 votes, and five legislators abstained. Before the vote, TVK held 107 seats in the assembly after Vijay resigned from the Tiruchirappalli East constituency following his appointment as Chief Minister. The ruling party also received support from 13 legislators from the Congress, Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), VCK, Communist Party of India (CPI), and Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM).

Political Implications for AIADMK

The confidence motion has become a politically significant moment for Edappadi K. Palaniswami and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), as some of its legislators reportedly voted in favor of Vijay's government. This unexpected cross-voting has sparked speculation about potential rifts within the AIADMK and may intensify internal discussions among the opposition in the coming days.