Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Chandrasekaran Joseph Vijay won an assembly floor test on Wednesday, securing a majority with 144 supporting lawmakers [1].
The victory stabilizes Vijay's government in Chennai, though the result follows a contentious split within the AIADMK party that has sparked allegations of political horse-trading.
The vote took place at the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on May 13, 2026 [2]. To maintain power, the chief minister required a minimum of 118 seats [1]. By securing 144 votes [1], Vijay exceeded the threshold needed to remain in office.
This majority was made possible by a rebellion within the AIADMK. A faction of rebel MLAs decided to cross-vote in favor of the government. Reports on the exact number of defectors vary, with the Indian Express reporting 25 rebel AIADMK MLAs [1], while MSN reported 24 [4].
The proceedings were marked by significant tension as the DMK staged a walkout from the session [1]. The shift in loyalty from the AIADMK faction provided the critical numbers necessary for Vijay's TVK party to maintain its hold on the state government.
Opposition leaders have questioned the legitimacy of the sudden shift in support. They said the move was the result of horse-trading rather than a genuine ideological split within the AIADMK ranks [3].
Despite these accusations, the official tally confirmed the government's survival. The assembly session concluded with the chief minister retaining his position through the support of his own party and the cross-voting AIADMK members [1], [2].
“Chief Minister Chandrasekaran Joseph Vijay won an assembly floor test on Wednesday, securing a majority with 144 supporting lawmakers.”
The result indicates a significant fragmentation of the AIADMK, one of Tamil Nadu's traditional political pillars. By absorbing a rebel faction, Vijay has not only secured his immediate tenure but has also weakened the organized opposition. However, the allegations of horse-trading and the DMK walkout suggest that while the government is numerically secure, it faces a volatile legislative environment characterized by deep instability among the opposition parties.
