Chief minister-designate Vijay met with 30 rebel legislators from the AIADMK to secure their support ahead of a scheduled floor test [1].
This alignment could fundamentally alter the power balance in Tamil Nadu by providing Vijay the legislative numbers needed to stabilize his government. The move follows a period of intense internal friction within the AIADMK after the party's poor performance in the April 23, 2026, assembly polls [3].
The meeting took place on Thursday, with the rebel group led by senior leaders SP Velumani and C Ve Shanmugam [1]. K Shanmugam, a rival of party chief Edappadi K Palaniswami, also participated in the discussions. Shanmugam said he was ready to back the TVK if the political situation demanded it [2].
SP Velumani said the 30 rebel MLAs extend their support to Vijay’s government for the stability of Tamil Nadu [1]. The rebels are reportedly dissatisfied with the leadership of Edappadi K Palaniswami. This discontent stems from the April 23, 2026, elections, where the AIADMK won only 47 of the 164 seats it contested [3].
The AIADMK leadership has disputed the impact of this defection. An AIADMK party spokesperson said the decision of the party cannot be taken by a handful of MLAs, and that the party cadre remains firmly behind Edappadi K Palaniswami [3].
Despite the party leadership's denial, the rebel faction sees backing Vijay as a strategic way to influence the formation of the new government. The floor test is scheduled for Wednesday, which will determine if Vijay has the necessary majority to lead the state [1].
“"I am ready to back TVK if the political situation demands it."”
The defection of 30 legislators represents a significant blow to Edappadi K Palaniswami's control over the AIADMK. By courting these rebels, Vijay is not only securing the numerical requirements for his floor test but is also exploiting the existing fractures within one of the state's traditional power blocs to consolidate his early mandate.
