Chennai: The trust vote for the C. Joseph Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government is currently underway in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Wednesday, with key alliance partners extending support during the proceedings.
CPI(M) has formally declared its backing during the floor test, joining Congress and VCK in supporting the TVK government as the confidence motion progresses in the House.
The vote of confidence is being conducted in line with Governor R.N. Arlekar’s direction to complete the process on or before May 13.
TVK holds an effective strength of 107 members, including the Speaker, who does not vote. However, party MLA R. Seenivasa Sethupathy from Tirupattur is unable to participate following a High Court ruling in an election petition filed by his DMK rival.
A significant political development is the support of around 30 All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) MLAs, led by S.P. Velumani and C. Ve. Shanmugam, who has broken ranks with the party leadership to extend support to the government.
However, AIADMK members aligned with party chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami are voting against the government and have warned that anti-defection provisions will apply to those violating the party whip.
With PTI inputs