An AIADMK faction led by CV Shanmugam announced it will support actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government in Tamil Nadu.
This shift in allegiance occurs as Vijay attempts to secure a stable majority in the assembly following the 2026 elections. The support from rebel AIADMK members could determine whether the TVK government survives an upcoming floor test.
The move follows a deepening rift between the faction and AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami. Shanmugam and S.P. Velumani's camp declared their support for the TVK, stating that they seek to accept the people's mandate [1, 3].
"We accept the people’s mandate," a representative for the faction said [1].
According to reports, the decision came after members of the faction rejected the leadership of Palaniswami [2]. While the faction has shifted its loyalty, some reports indicate that 17 AIADMK MLAs remain loyal to Palaniswami [2].
The political stakes are high as the TVK currently holds 108 seats in the 234-member Tamil Nadu assembly [4]. To achieve a majority, the government needs 118 seats [4]. This leaves the TVK short of the threshold, making the support of rebel factions, and other allies essential for maintaining power.
Chief Minister Vijay has met with rebel leaders to negotiate these alliances ahead of the floor test [3]. The faction led by Shanmugam and Velumani maintains that their decision is based on the electoral will of the voters [3].
"AIADMK leader CV Shanmugam announced the party will support the TVK government after MLAs rejected Edappadi K Palaniswami’s...", the report said [2].
“"We accept the people’s mandate."”
The alignment of an AIADMK faction with the TVK highlights a significant fragmentation within the traditional opposition. By leveraging internal party rifts, Vijay is attempting to bridge the gap between his current seat count and the 118-seat majority threshold. This maneuver not only stabilizes his immediate hold on power but also weakens the cohesive influence of Edappadi K. Palaniswami over the AIADMK's legislative presence.
