Published May 13, 2026 | 12:48 PM ⚊ Updated May 13, 2026 | 12:48 PM
VCK leader Vanni Arasu speaking in the Tamil Nadu Assembly.
Synopsis: The Vijay-led TVK government won the trust vote in the Tamil Nadu Assembly with the support of 144 MLAs, including backing from Congress, Left parties, VCK, IUML and a section of the AIADMK. While extending support, allies such as the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi placed several conditions before the government, including protecting state rights, opposing delimitation, enacting a law against honour killings and safeguarding social justice policies.
The confidence motion moved by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government led by Chief Minister Vijay was passed in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, 13 May, formally securing the government’s majority in the House.
A total of 144 MLAs voted in favour of the motion, while 22 members voted against it and five remained neutral. Members of the Opposition DMK staged a walkout and did not participate in the voting.
The Vijay-led government, which was formed with the support of the Congress, the CPI, the CPI(M), the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), also received support from 25 MLAs of the AIADMK led by SP Velumani.
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While extending outside support to the government, VCK leaders laid down a series of political and policy demands.
Speaking in the Assembly, MLA Vanni Arasu said the party was supporting the government on the condition that it firmly opposes constituency delimitation and protects the rights of Tamil Nadu without compromise.
He also demanded that the High-Level Committee on Union-State Relations complete its work and submit its full report.
Vanni Arasu further urged the government to obtain the report of the commission headed by retired Justice KN Basha on caste killings and enact a separate law to prevent such crimes.
Among the other demands raised were:
“It is on the basis of these assurances and demands that we are extending support to this government,” he said.
Two MLAs of the IUML also extended support to the government. Speaking in the Assembly, AM Shahjahan urged the government to continue the people-centric welfare schemes introduced under the Dravidian Model of governance.
T Ramachandran of the CPI said the party was supporting the government to protect state rights, social justice and secularism, while ensuring that communal and divisive forces do not gain ground in Tamil Nadu.
Parties that did not support the government used the debate to criticise recent political developments surrounding the formation of the TVK government.
Manithaneya Jananayaga Katchi President Thamimun Ansari said, “We cannot accept the institutionalisation of astrology by the government,” pointing to the appointment of Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel, said to be Vijay’s personal astrologer, as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Chief Minister’s Office.
Premalatha Vijayakanth of the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) did not extend support to the government and instead demanded answers from Vijay on issues including the appointment of an astrological adviser to a government post and allegations of horse-trading before the formation of the government.
MH Jawahirullah of the Manithaneya Makkal Katchi said Tamil Thai Vazhthu should be given primacy at all government events. He also demanded the continuation of the previous government’s social justice initiatives, reiterated opposition to the NEET examination, opposed acceptance of the PM SHRI scheme, and expressed disappointment over the absence of a Muslim minister in the new Cabinet.
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Replying during the debate, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, Udhayanidhi Stalin, listed out controversies and political developments that had taken place over the past 10 days, including allegations of horse-trading involving S Kamaraj and meetings held with the dissenting AIADMK faction.
He later announced that DMK members would walk out of the Assembly instead of participating in the vote.
However, Udhayanidhi also stated that, as former chief minister MK Stalin had said earlier, the DMK would not create obstacles to the functioning of the new government.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
