AIADMK Faces Internal Turmoil After Rebel MLAs Back Vijay Government in Trust Vote

Tamil Nadu politics witnessed intense drama during the Assembly trust vote for Chief Minister Vijay’s government, as AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) accused rival parties of attempting to lure legislators with money and ministerial positions in exchange for support during the confidence motion.

The allegations emerged after a section of AIADMK legislators openly defied the party leadership and voted in favour of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government led by actor-turned-politician Vijay. The rebellion exposed deep cracks within the opposition party and triggered one of the most significant internal confrontations in the AIADMK in recent years.

The Vijay-led administration ultimately secured the trust vote comfortably, obtaining the support of 144 legislators in the Assembly. The government received backing from Congress, Left parties, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), and a group of rebel AIADMK MLAs. The result strengthened Vijay’s position just days after he assumed office as Chief Minister.

Ahead of the floor test, EPS had instructed all AIADMK legislators to vote against the confidence motion and oppose the newly formed government. However, senior party leader S P Velumani and several legislators aligned with him broke ranks and supported Vijay during the voting process. Their decision triggered visible tension within the party and raised questions over EPS’s authority as the principal opposition leader.

During the Assembly debate, EPS alleged that attempts had been made to influence AIADMK MLAs through financial incentives and promises of cabinet positions. According to him, some legislators were reportedly approached with offers to switch sides and back the TVK government. He claimed that several MLAs had been assured ministerial berths in return for supporting the confidence motion.

The accusations intensified political tensions in the state, with rival parties rejecting the allegations and accusing EPS of trying to divert attention from the internal divisions within the AIADMK. Rebel legislators defended their decision, arguing that they acted in the interest of political stability and according to the wishes of their supporters.

S P Velumani stated that his faction chose to support the government while “respecting the people’s mandate,” a remark widely interpreted as a challenge to the official AIADMK leadership. Political analysts said the statement reflected growing dissatisfaction among certain sections of the party regarding EPS’s leadership style and strategy after the Assembly elections.

Chief Minister Vijay dismissed the allegations of horse-trading and defended the legitimacy of his government’s majority. Addressing the Assembly after winning the trust vote, he said his administration believed in “horse speed, not horse-trading,” a comment that drew reactions from both ruling and opposition benches. Vijay also promised transparent governance and assured the House that his government would continue welfare programmes while maintaining a secular political approach.

The trust vote proceedings also witnessed protests and dramatic scenes involving the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). Opposition leader Udhayanidhi Stalin criticised the political developments surrounding the formation of the government and accused rival parties of reducing Tamil Nadu politics to political spectacle. DMK legislators later staged a walkout during the proceedings, reducing the effective majority required for the government to prove its strength.

Political observers believe the developments could significantly reshape opposition politics in Tamil Nadu. The open rebellion within the AIADMK has sparked speculation about a possible split in the party and the emergence of a stronger rebel faction aligned against EPS. Analysts noted that the trust vote may become a turning point for both the AIADMK and the state’s broader political landscape.

Following the floor test, reports indicated that EPS moved quickly to regain control over the organisation by removing several rebel leaders from party positions. However, the internal crisis appears far from over, with many political analysts predicting further instability and shifting alliances in the months ahead.