Chennai: The no-confidence motion against Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker M. Appavu, moved by the AIADMK, was defeated on Monday.
AIADMK Deputy Floor Leader R.B. Udhayakumar introduced a motion under Assembly Rule 68, alleging that Speaker M. Appavu was biassed and acting in favour of the ruling DMK party, rather than maintaining impartiality.
As the motion moved by the AIADMK targeted Speaker M. Appavu, he handed over the proceedings to Deputy Speaker K. Pitchandi, allowing the debate to continue without any perceived bias.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin came out strongly in defence of Speaker M. Appavu during the debate, stating that Appavu had always maintained his impartiality. Stalin also criticised the resolution, calling it baseless.
Following the debate, the Deputy Speaker called for a voice vote, but AIADMK leader and former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) demanded a division. The House was then divided into six sections for counting. Ultimately, 154 members opposed the motion, while 62 supported it, leading to its defeat.
Interestingly, legislators from the faction led by expelled AIADMK leader O. Panneerselvam (OPS) also supported the no-confidence motion.
Senior AIADMK leader K.A. Sengottaiyan, known for his differences with EPS, also voted in favour of the resolution. However, three AIADMK legislators, including former Speaker P. Dhanapal, were absent during the vote.
The DMK-led alliance, comprising the Congress, CPI, CPI(M), Tamilaga Vazhurimai Katchi, and Manithaneya Makkal Katchi, united to reject the no-confidence motion against Speaker M. Appavu. Meanwhile, BJP legislators Vanathi Sreenivasan and Saraswathi were taken into custody by the Chennai Police earlier that day.
PMK legislators were absent during the voting process, while Poovai Jagan Moorthy of Puratchi Bharatham backed the AIADMK's resolution.
Prior to the division vote, the Assembly doors were closed, and upon counting the votes, the motion was officially rejected.
This development comes after the AIADMK's walkout from the Assembly on March 13 during the presentation of the state budget for 2025-26, where EPS demanded the resignation of the DMK government, citing moral responsibility over the alleged liquor scam in the state. The BJP also boycotted the session.
With the failure of the no-confidence motion, Speaker M. Appavu remains in his position, further strengthening the DMK's hold in the Assembly.
(inputs from IANS)