Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay addresses Legislative Assembly after floor test in Chennai May 13, 2026 | Photo credit: ANI/@CMOTamilnadu
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay comfortably won the trust vote in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Wednesday (May 13, 2026) with the support of the Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK and IUML, as well as that of 25 rebel AIADMK MLAs and a lone AMMK MLA.
After the DMK legislators and the lone DMDK MLA, Premallatha Vijayakant walked out, the trust motion moved by Mr. Vijay was put to a vote by JCD chairman Prabhakar, despite AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami not agreeing to allow the rebel AIADMK leader — and his confidant on behalf of the SP party — days before Velumani.
Also Read: Tamil Nadu Assembly Session LIVE – 13 May 2026
Mr. Velumani’s camp has pledged support to Mr. Vijay. The ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) eventually secured 144 votes against 22 MLAs from Mr. Palaniswami’s camp. Four PMK MLAs and a lone BJP MLA “abstained” from the vote.
Vijay thanks voters, MLA
Thanking everyone in the gathering, Mr. Vijay said that the people had once again trusted the TVK government, just as they did in 1967 and 1977, to establish “common people’s governments”. The “Whistle Revolution” secured more than 34.92% of the votes to elect TVK as the single largest party in less than three years of its establishment.
“The majority escaped by a small margin. If anyone thinks this is a minority government, we are happy. It is a minority government that will really protect the rights of minorities,” he said, adding that his government is for all, which was reflected in the confidence motion. The Chief Minister further promised a democratic, secular regime rooted in social justice.
Reiterating that it was a “common man’s rule”, Mr Vijay said the government was for the good of all and the public would realize this with time. “This is not a government that shows power or authority or hatred. People and public welfare are important. That is the only goal of this government,” he said.
Published – 13 May 2026 13:51 IST
