Daijiworld Media Network – Chennai
Chennai, May 13: The newly formed TVK-led Tamil Nadu government under Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay is set to face a crucial floor test in the 234-member Assembly on Wednesday, marking the administration’s first major challenge in proving its majority in the House.
Ahead of the confidence motion, Chief Minister Vijay has intensified consultations with alliance partners to consolidate coalition support. As part of the outreach efforts, Vijay is scheduled to visit Sathyamurthy Bhavan, the headquarters of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC), for discussions with senior Congress leaders.
According to reports, high-level talks are expected with TNCC president K Selvaperunthagai, AICC in-charge Girish Chodankar, and senior Congress legislators to ensure a united stand during the vote.
The floor test comes amid internal divisions within the opposition AIADMK. Party leadership has reportedly warned MLAs against cross-voting and threatened disciplinary action, including possible disqualification, ahead of the confidence motion.
Sources said Vijay is also expected to hold private discussions with Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) chief Thol Thirumavalavan and leaders of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). The meetings follow a series of political consultations with key regional leaders, including DMK president MK Stalin, MDMK founder Vaiko, and PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss.
The numbers in the Assembly remain closely balanced. Following Vijay’s resignation from the Tiruchirappalli East constituency, the TVK’s strength in the House currently stands at 107 seats. The ruling alliance is relying on the support of 13 additional MLAs from the Congress, VCK, Left parties, and IUML to secure a majority.
Although AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami has directed party MLAs to oppose the motion, reports indicate growing dissatisfaction within the party after its disappointing performance in the Assembly elections.
Around 30 AIADMK MLAs, led by senior leaders SP Velumani and C Ve Shanmugam, are learnt to have questioned the leadership’s strategy, raising concerns over possible dissent during the floor test.