July 17, 2026

AIADMK Faction Defies Whip, Vijay Wins Floor Test Comfortably

By Sunil Garodia
First publised on 2026-05-13 13:53:53

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In the end, it was an anti-climax as C Joseph Vijay won the floor test in the Tamil Nadu assembly comfortably, getting 144 votes, 25 more than the stated strength of his alliance. This was because the disgruntled faction of AIADMK, defying party whip, voted in his favour.

This brings to an end, at least for six months (till which time a fresh floor test cannot be held as per law), one of the most extraordinary episodes in state politics - a time when, from the Governor downwards, political parties tried to do everything under their command to stop the disruptor from forming the government. The state also saw the amusing and unexpected spectacle of the DMK and AIADMK, sworn enemies for the last 50 years, talking to form an alliance to keep Vijay out.

The loose alliance Vijay has stitched together for survival is fragile and opportunistic, which makes the AIADMK faction's support all the more valuable to him. The first signs of dispute came just a day before the floor test. Vijay had appointed an astrologer, Ricky Pandit, as Officer on Special Duty in his team. The allies protested immediately, especially the Left parties. He had to beat a hasty retreat and cancel the appointment. But not all disputes will be as simple and Vijay will have his hands full dealing with the allies.

As for the support of the AIADMK faction, there is talk that they have demanded ministerial berths in lieu of their support. Vijay has been non-committal for now. But these demands will increase and it is not clear how the other big ally, the Congress, will view that. What is clear is that Vijay will need to manage his allies as much as he will need to govern the state.