Tamil Nadu Floor Test LIVE Updates: Tamil Nadu CM Vijay cancels astrologer's govt post; AIADMK jibes 'he failed to foresee his own fate'

‘DMK lost its arguments in People’s House’: Tamil Nadu CM Vijay after floor test win

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and Tamil Nadu chief minister C Vijay on Wednesday said the newly formed government had public support and would continue to respond to criticism and factual concerns, after winning the floor test in the Legislative Assembly with 144 votes in favour.

In a post on X, CM Vijay said, “We are still saying this. We are the ones who have the maturity to accept and immediately correct any factual complaints made by anyone. But the DMK, which lost its arguments against us in the People’s House, is now continuing the same in the Legislative Assembly. We are leaving that to the public’s view.”

Taking a dig at the opposition DMK, he said, “The DMK, which has no understanding, has forgotten that we thanked our people as a whole and has unfurled a pack of lies... People are watching everything.”

Explaining the confidence vote outcome, he stated that 144 members supported the government, 22 voted against, 5 remained neutral, and 60 did not participate.

He further added that the Speaker declared the TVK government had won the confidence motion with a landslide majority.

Vijay govt wins trust vote in Tamil Nadu Assembly; AIADMK split exposed, DMK stages walkout

The four-day-old government led by Tamil Nadu chief minister C Joseph Vijay won the trust vote in the Assembly on Wednesday with 144 votes in favour and 22 against amid a walkout by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and visible divisions within the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.

While 22 AIADMK MLAs aligned with party chief Edappadi K Palaniswami voted against the government, 25 legislators from the SP Velumani-C Ve Shanmugam faction backed the confidence motion, exposing a split within the party.

During the debate, opposition leaders including Premalatha Vijayakanth accused the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam of horse-trading, prompting Vijay to respond, “This government runs at horse-speed, not through horse-trading.” Vijay also said his government would remain secular and continue welfare schemes introduced by previous regimes.

NEET paper leak proof of structural flaws, abolish test: TN CM Vijay

Tamil Nadu chief minister C Joseph Vijay on Wednesday said the alleged NEET paper leak and cancellation of the examination were proof of “structural flaws” in the system and demanded that the test be abolished, with states allowed to fill medical seats based on Class 12 marks. In a statement, Vijay said the cancellation following the alleged question paper leak had shattered the hopes of lakhs of medical aspirants across the country. He also said this was not the first time NEET had been “compromised”, pointing out that in 2024, FIRs linked to question paper leaks were registered across six states and later transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation.

VCK MLA urges CM Vijay govt to bring anti-superstition law in Tamil Nadu

VCK MLA Vanni Arasu on Wednesday urged the Tamil Nadu government led by chief minister Vijay to enact a stringent law against superstitious practices, citing similar legislations in Karnataka and Maharashtra.

Speaking during the discussion on the confidence motion in the Assembly, Arasu said several states, including Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Rajasthan, already have laws against witchcraft and sorcery.

He said Maharashtra and Karnataka had introduced laws providing punishment for those who exploit people through superstitious practices and rituals. Arasu also referred to rationalist Narendra Dabholkar, who had campaigned for such legislation in Maharashtra before being killed.

The VCK leader further urged the government to promote scientific temper and avoid encouraging practices linked to astrology and black magic, citing Article 51A of the Constitution.

Some AIADMK MLAs cross-voted due to 'lure' of minister posts, claims EPS

AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami accused a section of party MLAs of cross-voting in favour of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government during the Assembly floor test, alleging they were influenced by the “lure” of cabinet posts.

Palaniswami claimed that what the MLAs had done was “unfair and illegal”. According to him, 25 AIADMK legislators led by senior leaders SP Velumani and C Ve Shanmugam backed the government led by chief minister C Joseph Vijay during the confidence vote.

Speaking to reporters after the Assembly session, EPS said AIADMK had won 47 seats by showcasing the party’s governance record and welfare measures implemented between 2011 and 2021.

“We have won 47 assembly seats by highlighting AIADMK's achievement and people's welfare measures from 2011 and the people have voted for the party's Two Leaves symbol,” he said.

If there was horse-trading, there is no greater disgrace than this: DMDK chief

DMDK General Secretary and MLA Premalatha Vijayakanth on Wednesday lashed out at the TVK-led government during its floor test, describing allegations of horse-trading as a matter of great shame for the state.

Along with DMK MLAs, Premalatha too staged a walkout during the vote of confidence.

"If there was horse-trading, there is no greater disgrace than this in this historic House. I am sure the Chief Minister will reply to this," she said in the House.

She also criticised the appointment of an "official special officer" (Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel), referring to him as a "Rajaguru" (royal advisor). "If he is your Rajaguru, you should keep him personally. But bringing him into a high government position... what example are you setting for the youth?" she asked.

Questioning the transparency of the government, which the Chief Minister had promised would be "exemplary," she demanded a public clarification regarding reports of individuals visiting the Chief Minister’s residence in veiled vehicles.

"The Chief Minister said that no one needs to wear a mask here and that he will provide a transparent administration. In that case, I request that the people be informed who went to meet the Chief Minister in a vehicle with their faces covered that day," Premalatha noted.

'25 MLAs supported Vijay': CV Shanmugam rejects EPS' election as assembly leader amid ADMK vs ADMK showdown

After 25 AIADMK MLAs supported the ruling TVK in the floor test, CV Shanmugam on Wednesday questioned the whip and said that the party MLAs signed no resolution to confirm Edappadi K Palaniswami as the legislative party leader.

Although the CM Vijay-led TVK had the support of 120 MLAs, it passed the floor test with 144 votes amid an ADMK versus ADMK showdown in the Assembly.

Addressing a press conference, Shanmugam alleged that a party MLA meeting for the election of assembly leader, deputy leader and whip, as claimed by EPS, was never held. He noted that C Vijaya Bhaskar was the AIADMK Whip in the Assembly and claimed that the party whip cannot be appointed directly by the party's general secretary. EPS had claimed Krishnamoorthy to be the party's whip.

Calling the letter shown by the EPS "forged," the ADMK MLA claimed no resolution within the party not to support the TVK during the floor test.

"On behalf of AIADMK, 25 MLAs have supported TVK Leader TN CM Vijay. EPS is lying on the issue of the signature of 47 MLAs on the resolution not to support TVK. When did the 47 MLAs sign this resolution, as claimed by EPS? He cannot claim this as no such meeting on a resolution took place. The letter given by EPS to the Speaker was forged," he said.

"He also claims that our MLAs have signed and given permission to announce assembly leader, deputy leader and whip, but our MLAs have signed for another season, and it's not for the reason which Edapadi Palaniswami claims," he added.

Relief for TVK as SC stays HC order restraining it's MLA from participating in assembly proceedings

The Supreme Court on Wednesday stayed the Madras High Court's interim order to restrain TVK MLA R Srinivasa Sethupati from participating in the Assembly proceedings in Tamil Nadu over a postal ballot mix-up.

The High Court's interim order had come on a plea moved by the DMK candidate who lost to TVK's Sethupati in the Tirupattur constituency by one vote. DMK had alleged that one vote (a postal ballot) was wrongly counted in another constituency.

Observing that the High Court's decision to entertain the DMK candidate's plea as atrocious, a bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and Vijay Bishnoi have also asked DMK's KR Periakaruppan to file their counter affidavit in two weeks' time. TVK's Sethupati, the petitioners in the matter, have been asked to file a rejoinder (response to counter) within two weeks' time.

"In the meantime, the effect and operation of the impugned order shall remain stayed, and further proceedings before the High Court in the pending writ petition shall also remain stayed", the apex court noted in its order today.

The apex court verbally stated that the Madras High Court entertained the plea filed by the DMK candidate under its writ jurisdiction (Article 226) despite noting that such a remedy only lies under an election petition. "It's atrocious", Justice Sandeep Mehta remarked.

Tamil Nadu CM Vijay revokes astrologer's appointment as OSD after allies raise objections

Tamil Nadu chief minister Vijay on Wednesday revoked the appointment of his astrologer Radhan Pandit as his officer on special duty.

The move came a day after Vijay drew flak from both the opposition and allies over the appointment.

Moments after the floor test, the government released a circular which said, "The orders issued regarding the appointment of Thiru.

Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to chief minister (Political) vide in the reference 2nd cited is hereby revoked." Read more

Tamil Nadu CM Vijay cancels astrologer's govt post; AIADMK jibes 'he failed to foresee his own fate'

After Tamil Nadu chief minister revoked the appointment of his astrologer Radhan Pandit as his officer on special duty, AIADMK leader IS Inbadurai, in a social media post on X said. "The astrologer failed to predict his own fate.Bad days have begun for the Vijay government."

EPS slams Shanmugam faction for defying party directives, accuses them of being enticed by TVK

AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Wednesday launched a stern attack against the party MLAs who supported the TVK during the floor test, amid speculations over internal divisions, and accused them of being enticed for ministerial positions by TVK.

Addressing a press conference, EPS criticised the party MLAs for supporting the ruling government in the floor test, considering it a violation of the law.

EPS reiterated that the party whip Krishnamoorthy had given strict guidelines that all party members will be voting against the TVK government in the floor test. Attacking the MLA CV Shanmugam faction for defying party orders, he accused the MLAs of "betraying and violating the political principle" of the AIADMK.

Recognising the party whip as the highest authority regarding decisions in the assembly, EPS said that "no one else" can go against the General Secretary.

"We appointed Krishnamoorthy as the party whip and it's was informed to all the MLAs about it. However, a few former ministers who were elected as MLAs issued statements that amounted to betraying the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and violating political discipline. Even after being informed our stand, they announced that they would support the ruling government. This is entirely against the law," he said.

"Only the whip appointed by the party General Secretary has the authority to make decisions inside assembly and in party it's General Secretary, there is no talk on numbers or majority. No one else has that power to act against the General Secretary according to our party law," he added.

Further drawing a comparison between AIADMK and TVK, EPS said that while his party convened a meeting and elected the Legislative party leader, Deputy leader and whip, the ruling party allegedly promised ministerial positions in return of support from members of different parties.

This government was formed by luring some members with promises of ministerial posts and board appointments :AIADMK MLA Edappadi K Palaniswami

AIADMK MLA Edappadi K. Palaniswami said, "We have appointed Krishnamoorthy as the party whip, and the same was informed to all MLAs. However, a few former ministers who were elected as MLAs issued statements that amounted to betraying the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and violating political discipline. Even after being informed of our stand, they announced that they would support the ruling government. This is entirely against the law."

"This government was formed by luring some members with promises of ministerial posts and board appointments. Those members have now extended support to the resolutions brought by the Chief Minister. AIADMK 47 MLAs who won in the Assembly elections were elected under the “Two Leaves” symbol. Instead of remaining loyal to the party, they have betrayed it. Their desire to become ministers has led them to act against the party leadership’s directives. This is against both the law and justice. Something unprecedented in the history of Tamil Nadu is happening now. It is disappointing that such developments are taking place within Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam right at the very beginning," he added.

'Very disappointing': DMK MLA SS Sivasankar accuses CM Vijay of engaging in horse-trading

DMK MLA SS Sivasankar accused CM Vijay of engaging in horse-trading to secure support during the floor test. He said Vijay had promised a clean government during the election campaign, but alleged that taking support from AIADMK MLAs had tarnished that image.

Sivasankar claimed that nearly 25 AIADMK MLAs and Mannargudi MLA Kamaraj shifted to the TVK camp and described the developments as “open horse-trading” and “very disappointing.”

Tamil Nadu Assembly floor test: VHP demands removal of Udhayanidhi's 'anti-Sanatan' remarks from assembly records

The Vishva Hindu Parishad on Wednesday condemned the "anti-Sanatan" remarks made by DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and demanded that his statement be expunged from the house records.

The RSS affiliate further questioned whether he would dare make similar remarks against any other religion.

The remarks came after the leader of opposition in Tamil Nadu Assembly on Tuesday called for the "abolition" of Sanatan Dharma, claiming that it divides people, repeating the controversial statement he made in September 2023.

Senior advocate and Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) international president Alok Kumar said the repeated insult and denigration of Sanatan Hindu Dharma and Hindu beliefs were contrary to democratic and constitutional values.

"Such highly objectionable and divisive remarks be immediately removed from the assembly records, and necessary measures be taken to prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the future," he said.

Tamil Nadu Assembly floor test: Udhayanidhi Stalin says TVK lacks full majority, DMK walks out during floor test in Tamil Nadu Assembly

Tamil Nadu Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin on Wednesday asserted that the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) did not have a full majority on its own in the Assembly and announced that the DMK would walk out during the floor test being faced by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay.

Speaking in the Tamil Nadu Assembly during the confidence motion proceedings, Stalin said the TVK had secured only 106 effective members after the resignation of one MLA and restriction on another legislator from voting.

"Only a party with the majority mark of 118 can form the government. TVK leader contested in two constituencies and has now resigned from one seat without even visiting the people to thank them. TVK now has only 106 members, as the MLA has been restrained by court from voting," Stalin said.

He further claimed that the TVK government was surviving on outside support from parties aligned with the DMK.

"TVK has secured support from parties aligned with DMK. They have extended outside support to ensure that President's Rule does not come," he said.

Tamil Nadu floor test: DMK attacks Vijay's decision to appoint astrologer as govt officer

DMK MLA Thamimun Ansari said, "We appreciate TVK's efforts but condemn the appointment of an astrologer as a Governmet officer, hence we walked out; AIADMK split is concerning."

Tamil Nadu Assembly floor test: CM Vijay led TVK govt passes floor test in Assembly with 144 votes in favour

Newly elected Chief Minister and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief C Joseph Vijay on Wednesday sailed through the floor test in the Legislative Assembly with 144 votes in favour.
With its allies, the TVK held a strength of 120 MLAs in the House. 22 MLAs voted against the TVK, and five MLAs abstained. However, the DMK staged a walkout, reducing the total strength of the House during the voting. The number of MLAs supporting Vijay shows that a block of AIADMK rebels disobeyed the party whip and voted against it.

The TVK won the floor test as Congress, CPI, CPI(M), and VCK MLAs extended support to the party. Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), which has two MLAs, has also extended support to the TVK government. Expelled Amma Makkal Munnettra Kazagam (AMMK) MLA Kamaraj has also supported TVK in the Assembly. He said, "I supported the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government yesterday, I support it today, and I will continue to support it for the next five years. CM Vijay is protecting the entire state. I believe he will not leave me either. I am sure our Vijay will protect and save me too."

While AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami said that all 47 MLAs will vote against the TVK, the Assembly witnessed an ADMK versus ADMK showdown. Former minister and party MLA SP Velumani also spoke during the Assembly proceedings, and was objected to by supporters of Edappadi K. Palaniswami.

Alleging attempts to lure MLAs, Palaniswami claimed information had reached the party that some members were being offered ministerial posts and board chairman positions in exchange for supporting the government. "We are not an enemy party; we wish to function as a responsible Opposition," EPS said in the Assembly.

Vijay clears floor test with 144 MLAs backing TVK: How the high-stakes assembly showdown unfolded

Tamil Nadu chief minister Joseph Vijay on Wednesday won the crucial floor test in the state assembly, formally proving the majority of his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led post-poll coalition.The confidence vote was held in the assembly following governor RV Arlekar's directive asking the newly formed government to prove its majority on or before May 13.With the victory in the House, the actor-turned politician has now formed the first coalition government led by a new entrant in Tamil Nadu's Dravidian political era, breaking the decades-long dominance of the DMK and AIADMK. Read more

'We will protect minority communities': CM Vijay thanks parties for supporting the government during the assembly trust vote

CM Vijay thanked parties and MLAs for supporting the government during the assembly trust vote and said the TVK had emerged as the single-largest party with a mandate comparable to the 1967 and 1977 elections, missing an absolute majority by a whisker.

“If some want to call this a minority government, we accept it happily. We will protect minority communities and govern for all sections of people,” Vijay said, while assuring that the government would function on the principles of secularism and social justice.

TVK government won the assembly floor test with 144 MLAs voting in favour, 22 against and five abstaining

Vijay wins high-stakes floor test, proves majority; AIADMK split plays out in full public view

Tamil Nadu Assembly floor test: DMK MLAs walk out of the Tamil Nadu Assembly before the Floor test of the TVK government

Tamil Nadu Assembly floor test: Udhayanidhi targets Vijay govt , says 65% voters rejected TVK

Leader of opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin said 65% of voters did not support the TVK in the 2026 assembly polls and cited vote share figures to argue that the ruling party lacked a broader public mandate. He said the TVK effectively had 106 MLAs after one resignation and a court order restraining another MLA from voting in the Assembly. Stalin also alleged that the government was formed with support from DMK alliance parties, which backed the TVK to prevent President’s rule while continuing in the secular alliance. He further questioned the support extended by an MLA elected as part of the NDA without the consent of the parent party.

Tamil Nadu Assembly floor test: Vijay’s floor test turns dramatic as AIADMK vs AIADMK showdown unfolds in Tamil Nadu assembly

Some AIADMK MLAs objected to SP Velumani being allowed to speak during the assembly proceedings, following which the Speaker said the decision to permit a member to speak rests solely with the Chair.

Tamil Nadu Assembly floor test: EPS questions procedure followed during assembly trust vote debate

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami questioned procedure followed during assembly trust vote debate

Speaker, however, refuted EPS's allegations and said that similar opportunities were given in the past even to parties not backing the motion. EPS says AIADMK won 47 seats under MGR and Jayalalithaa’s legacy, flags internal differences within party and alleges attempts to influence factions, while also referring to horse-trading allegations and noting that 66% of voters did not back the ruling alliance in 2026 polls.

Tamil Nadu Assembly floor test: Congress, CPI(M), VCK, IUML extend support to TVK in House

Congress, CPI(M), and VCK MLAs have extended support to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government, as the Tamil Nadu Assembly took up the motion for the Vote of Confidence on Wednesday.

Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), which has two MLAs, has also extended support to the TVK government.

Expelled Amma Makkal Munnettra Kazagam (AMMK) MLA Kamaraj has also supported TVK in the Assembly. He said, "I supported the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government yesterday, I support it today, and I will continue to support it for the next five years. CM Vijay is protecting the entire state. I believe he will not leave me either. I am sure our Vijay will protect and save me too."

Tamil Nadu chief minister and TVK president C Joseph Vijay is facing a floor test in the State Legislative Assembly to prove his majority.

The TVK holds 107 seats in the Assembly, after Vijay resigned from Trichy East and retained Perambur. The party seems to be sailing through the test after it gained support from Congress (five seats), along with the CPI, CPI(M), VCK, and IUML, which contribute two seats each. Adding one expelled AMMK MLA, the coalition's strength currently stands at 121 seats, breaching the majority mark.

During the discussion on the motion, the TVK allies extended support and also put forward their suggestions and demands from the largest party in the House.

Speaking in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, VCK MLA Vanni Arasu said that secular parties have extended unconditional support to the government and expressed confidence that the government would complete its five-year term successfully.

'Assembly trust vote debate resembles an anti-BJP campaign': BJP MLA Bhojarajan

BJP MLA Bhojarajan said the assembly trust vote debate resembled an anti-BJP campaign meeting and urged the Speaker to expunge remarks made by Congress MLA Rajesh Kumar.

Tamil Nadu floor test: DMDK MLA Premalatha extends support to the Vijay government

DMDK MLA Premalatha extended support to the Vijay government during the assembly trust vote. He praised the TASMAC closure and Singapenn scheme and accused the opposition of attempting horse-trading and raised questions over the appointment of Ranjan Pandit as OSD despite the CM’s stand against dynasty politics.

Tamil Nadu floor test: Two CPI MLAs back Vijay govt in assembly trust vote

Tamil Nadu floor test: Expelled AMMK MLA backs Vijay government during floor test

Expelled AMMK MLA from Mannargudi, Kamaraj, extended support to the Vijay government during the confidence vote floor test.

Tamil Nadu floor test: IUML extends support to Vijay government

Two IUML MLAs extended support to Vijay government and welcomed TASMAC shop closures as a good start. It also sought continuation of Dravidian model welfare schemes.

Tamil Nadu floor test: VCK extends support to Vijay government

VCK extended support to Vijay govt to prevent President’s rule in Tamil Nadu. MLA Vanni Arasu urged push on delimitation, state rights, anti-caste killing law, continuation of Kurien panel and Justice GM Akbar Ali committee, and calls for opposition to astrology and superstition

CPM extends support to Vijay govt, says it will back people-centric schemes, oppose policies if necessary

Vijay's floor test splits AIADMK. Will Thalapathy go the Yediyurappa way?

In 2019, 17 Karnataka MLAs - 14 from the Congress and 3 from the JD(S) - resigned from the assembly, bringing down the then HD Kumaraswamy government. The resignations paved the way for BJP's Yediyurappa to take over as state's chief minister.

Interestingly, in this change of guard the resignations were the key, not defections that normally disrupt governments. The anti-defection law, a constitutional safeguard against floor-crossing by MLAs, had no answer for this political manoeuvre. After all, you cannot disqualify a legislator who is no longer one. Read more

Vijay’s floor test today: Can TVK prove majority? Number game explained

Days after being sworn in as Tamil Nadu chief minister, Vijay is set to face his first floor test in the assembly on Wednesday.

His party, TVK, ended the decades-long DMK-AIADMK duopoly by emerging as the single-largest party in the 2026 assembly elections with 108 seats, but remained 11 short of the majority mark in the 234-member House.

This pushed the actor-turned-politician to stitch together a post-poll alliance with Congress and several smaller parties. Read more

Tamil Nadu Government News: Congress MLA Rajesh Kumar says 5 MLAs are supporting TVK to avoid BJP's indirect rule

AIADMK MLA CV Shanmugam arrives at Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, as TVK to face floor test today

Tamil Nadu Government News: Speaker JCD Prabhakar may not vote in the floor test

The C Joseph Vijay-led TVK government will face its floor test in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Wednesday.

The vote of confidence will be held in the House, in lines with Governor RV Arlekar's directions to hold it on or before May 13.

The ruling TVK has an overall strength of 107, including the Speaker who may not vote. The party's Tirupattur MLA, R Seenivasa Sethupathy won't be able to cast his vote following a High Court ruling in a case filed by his rival DMK candidate, who lost to the TVK legislator by one vote in the April 23 polls.

The ruling party has the support of five Congress MLAs. Besides, CPI, CPI (M), VCK and IUML-- with two MLAs each, have already announced their outside support to the maiden TVK government.

Further, a section of AIADMK MLAs, about 30 of them who are led by senior leaders SP Velumani and C Ve Shanmugam and opposed to party chief Edappadi K Palaniswami, have announced support to the government.

Those AIADMK MLAs owing allegiance to Palaniswami have said that they will vote against the government and warned that anti-defection would apply to party MLAs going against the diktat.

Tamil Nadu MLAs arrive at Assembly premises as CM Vijay to face floor test today

Tamil Nadu chief minister and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president C Joseph Vijay is set to face a floor test in the state legislative assembly on Wednesday, to prove his majority.
Several TVK and AIADMK MLAs arrived at the Assembly premises in Tamil Nadu Secretariat ahead of the floor test.

TVK chief Vijay proved the numbers to the Governor, after the party, which won 108 seats in the elections, gained support from Congress (five seats), along with the CPI, CPI(M), VCK, and IUML, which contribute two seats each. The coalition's strength currently stands at 121 seats, which helped Vijay take the oath as the Chief Minister.

Meanwhile, in a twist in the tale, there is speculation of a split in the AIADMK with the emergence of two factions--one led by CV Shanmugam and another aligned with former Chief Minister and party General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami.

Shanumagan had alleged that the majority of party members had rejected a proposal to form a government with the support of the DMK.

Amid the speculations, Vijay also visited the office of former Tamil Nadu minister CV Shanmugam on Tuesday, signalling a potential shift in the state's legislative alliances.

An AIADMK MLA told ANI today, "All decisions will be taken by Edappadi K Palaniswami. About 25 MLAs will come here. The majority is on our side. All the people will be at our party only. All will be convinced. There is no need to worry. We have a good experience with Edappadi. We will wait and see. All will be right."

Tamil Nadu Government News: MLA who won by 1 vote barred from floor test; SC to hear case today

Madras high court has restrained TVK MLA Srinivasa Sethupathi, who won from Tirupattur constituency by one vote, from participating in the floor test scheduled on Wednesday.

“The floor test is not an ordinary legislative sitting. Participation in a floor test may determine the survival or fall of a govt. If the TVK MLA participates in such proceedings and his vote becomes decisive, the consequence may travel far beyond the constituency and affect the constitutional governance of the state,” said a vacation bench of Justice L Victoria Gowri and Justice N Senthil Kumar on Tuesday.

The restraint order was issued on a plea moved by former DMK minister K R Periyakaruppan, who lost the constituency by one vote.

Rejecting the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) objection that such issue could be addressed only through an election petition, the bench said, “The principle that election disputes must await an election petition cannot be converted into a principle that constitutional courts must remain silent, even when the issue is not merely the validity of an election, but the immediate use of a disputed electoral mandate to decide the fate of a govt.”

Tamil Nadu Government News: AIADMK faction eyes power share, TVK non-committal for now

Having weaned away some 28 of the AIADMK’s 47 MLAs from party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, the C Ve Shanmugam-S P Velumani faction is nursing the idea of joining the Joseph Vijay-led govt after supporting the confidence vote in the Tamil Nadu assembly on Wednesday.

While the group claims to have struck a deal with TVK to get “five or six” ministerial berths, TVK sources said Vijay has made no commitment. An AIADMK MLA said Vijay spoke to Shanmugam a few days ago. “We are joining the govt, he told TOI . “The number of ministers will be decided later.”

A TVK minister, however, denied this, saying Vijay has welcomed the AIADMK faction’s support, “though we are not in need of it to win the vote of confidence”. Moreover, such a move would upset VCK, IUML, and the Left parties that have supported TVK, he said. Some members of the Shanmugam group said Vijay visiting Shanmugam’s office on Tuesday has prompted several fence-sitters to move towards them.

The rival factions, meanwhile, appointed their own “whips” – C Vijayabaskar for the Shanmugam camp and Agri S S Krishnamoorthy for the EPS side — and sent out emails to MLAs — one section asking them to vote in favour of the motion and the other against. The EPS camp maintained that it had submitted letters of support from all 47 MLAs, while the Shanmugam camp, which “elected” S P Velumani as legislature party leader, sent an objection letter to Speaker J C D Prabhakar disputing EPS’s claim.

Tamil Nadu Government News: Government reshuffles senior IAS officers

In a significant bureaucratic reshuffle, the Tamil Nadu government on Tuesday ordered the transfer and posting of several senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers across key departments, including Finance, Revenue Administration, Tourism, and the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC).

The orders were issued by chief secretary M Sai Kumar in the name of the Governor.

According to the official notification, senior IAS officer N Muruganandam, who has returned from leave, has been posted as Additional Chief Secretary and Commissioner of Revenue Administration and Disaster Management. He replaces P Amudha, who had been holding additional charge of the post.

In another major administrative change, MA Siddique, who was serving as Additional Chief Secretary and Managing Director of Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), has been transferred and posted as Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Department. He succeeds T Udhayachandran in the crucial portfolio.

The reshuffle also included changes in the Tourism and Cultural Affairs departments. Dr S. Swarna, who was serving as Principal Secretary and State Project Director of the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA), has been appointed Principal Secretary, Tourism, Culture and Religious Endowments Department. She replaces Dr K. Manivasan, who had been holding additional charge of the department.

In a key posting linked to the state-run liquor retail network, the government announced that the services of K. Nanthakumar, currently Registrar of Cooperative Societies, have been placed at the disposal of the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) for appointment as its Managing Director. He replaces T. Christuraj.

Tamil Nadu Government News: MLAs acting against party whip will face anti-defection law action, says AIADMK MP Inbadurai amid party split speculations

Amid intensifying political developments in Tamil Nadu and speculation over internal divisions within the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), party Rajya Sabha MP IS Inbadurai on Tuesday asserted that any MLA acting against the official whip would face disqualification under the anti-defection law.

Sharing a post on X, Inbadurai said the party leadership under AIADMK General Secretary and Leader of the Legislative Party Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) has appointed the official whip and that any deviation from its directive would attract provisions of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.

"The AIADMK General Secretary and Leader of the Legislative Party, EPS Tamil Nadu, has appointed the official whip. Any AIADMK Legislative Assembly member who acts in violation of the orders issued by this whip will undoubtedly be subject to the anti-defection law under the 10th Schedule of the Constitution," he wrote on X.

Tamil Nadu Government News: Astrologer Radhan Pandit appointed Tamil Nadu CM Vijay's Officer on Special Duty

Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) spokesperson and prominent astrologer Radhan Pandit Vettrivel has been appointed as the Personal Secretary to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Tuesday.

Pandit, known for his dual role as an astrologer and a spokesperson for the TVK, has been a close aide to the leadership during the recent electoral campaign.

According to a letter from the Chief Minister's Office, "Thiru Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel, is appointed as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Chief Minister (Political) with effect from the date of joining. The terms and conditions in this regard will be issued separately."

TVK won 108 out of 234 seats in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Vijay fell short of a majority, but Congress and the VCK among other parties extended their support, leading to his swearing-in as Chief Minister on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Vijay today ordered the closure of 717 government-run TASMAC liquor retail outlets located within a 500-metre radius of places of worship, educational institutions and bus stations in the state within two weeks, citing public welfare.

Tamil Nadu Government News: Sanatan eternal, won't go away for Udhayanidhi, says RSS

Comparing Sanatan to a banyan tree, RSS's second-in-command Dattatreya Hosabale on Tuesday hit out at DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin, saying just because he wants it eradicated doesn't mean it will disappear.

"Because I feel there should not be light or I feel there should not be shadows, that doesn't mean they will go away," Hosabale said in an interview with PTI Videos.

"Sanatan is the spirit and soul of this nation. It is not a religious practice, but a value and a worldview," he said.

Hosabale was asked about Udhayanidhi's maiden speech as the Leader of Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly earlier on Tuesday, in which he called for the eradication of Sanatan, a view he has expressed in the past also.

"It is his opinion and people have answered it in the elections. But, Sanatan will not go because somebody says so," the RSS leader said.

"Sanatan is that which is eternally there. Eternity is Sanatan. It is like a tree, a banyan tree. Even after 100 years or 200 years, the banyan tree stands there," he said.

Hosabale said it may be old, because its trunk is old, but every season it gets new leaves and flowers.

"So that tree is fresh, ever fresh. So Sanatana is that. That is 'nitya nutana and chir puratana'. That is, it is ever fresh and always ancient. So it is a fantastic combination. That is what our civilisation is," he said.

Tamil Nadu Government News: 'Assembly must function as heart and brain of democracy,' says CM Vijay

TVK Vijay Floor Test: TVK Chief and Tamil Nadu chief minister Joseph Vijay congratulated JCD Prabhakar and M Ravishankar for assuming their respective offices as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday.

In his maiden speech, TVK leader and Chief Minister Vijay asserted that the House must function as both the 'heart and the brain' of democracy. He stated that it was with this specific vision that the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) proposed JCD Prabhakar to preside over the Assembly, ensuring the House remains a space where every voice is accorded equal importance and value.

"Here, everyone is equal. Even parties represented by a single member in this House must have their views valued equally alongside those expressed by the members of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, who hold a larger mandate. Good suggestions must be accepted, and unsuitable ones rejected. This Assembly must function as both the heart and the brain of democracy. It is with this vision that the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has proposed a distinguished individual of great dignity and historic stature to preside over this esteemed Assembly, and today you occupy that Chair," said CM Vijay.

Earlier, in one of the biggest early governance decisions of the TVK government, Chief Minister Vijay directed officials to shut down TASMAC liquor retail outlets functioning within a 500-metre radius of places of worship, educational institutions and bus stations within two weeks.

According to an official release, the TASMAC currently operates 4,765 liquor shops across the state, of which 717 were found violating the specified distance norms according to a survey ordered by the Chief Minister.

The government said the closures include 276 outlets near places of worship, 186 near educational institutions and 255 near bus stands. The decision is significant because TASMAC remains one of Tamil Nadu's biggest revenue-generating systems, even as demands for liquor shop closures have echoed across party lines for years.

Tamil Nadu Politics News: SC to hear plea against Madras HC order barring TVK MLA from floor test proceedings today

The Supreme Court is slated to hear on Wednesday a plea filed by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) MLA R. Seenivasa Sethupathi challenging the Madras High Court’s interim order restraining him from participating in any floor test proceedings in the Tamil Nadu Assembly amid a dispute over his one-vote victory from the Tiruppattur Assembly constituency.

According to the details available on the official website of the apex court, a Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by Sethupathi was registered earlier on Tuesday and is listed before a bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and Vijay Bishnoi for hearing on Wednesday.

The plea was mentioned for urgent hearing before Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi earlier on Tuesday, following which the apex court agreed to list the matter for hearing on Wednesday.

Sethupathi has moved the top court challenging the interim order passed by a vacation Bench of the Madras High Court restraining him from "voting or otherwise taking part in any floor test, including confidence motion, no-confidence motion, trust vote or any voting proceeding in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly where the numerical strength of the House is tested, until further orders".

A bench of Justices L. Victoria Gowri and N. Senthilkumar had passed the interim direction while hearing a writ petition filed by former Tamil Nadu Minister and DMK leader KR Periakaruppan, who lost the Tiruppattur Assembly seat in Sivaganga district by a margin of just one vote.