C Joseph Vijay is preparing for a crucial confidence vote in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, with the newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government appearing to have enough support to comfortably survive the floor test.
The vote is scheduled to take place a day after Vijay held a series of high-profile meetings with allies as well as political rivals, including leaders from the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and Naam Tamilar Katchi founder Seeman.
Vijay has already secured support from the Indian Union Muslim League, Indian National Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Communist Party of India and Communist Party of India (Marxist) in his bid to retain power after forming his maiden government in the state.
AIADMK Faces Internal Revolt
In a major political setback for AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami, nearly 30 MLAs from his party have reportedly extended support to the Vijay-led government, pushing the AIADMK towards a possible split.
The rebel faction, led by senior leaders SP Velumani and C Ve Shanmugam, openly criticised Palaniswami’s leadership and accused him of attempting to forge an alliance with the DMK.
The dissident MLAs also questioned the AIADMK’s performance in the recent Assembly elections and declared support for the TVK government ahead of the confidence vote.
Thol Thirumavalavan’s Big Claim
Adding another twist to Tamil Nadu’s fast-changing political landscape, VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan claimed that both the DMK and AIADMK had approached him to become Chief Minister as part of a possible anti-TVK alliance.
According to Thirumavalavan, the two Dravidian rivals had explored the possibility of backing him to prevent Vijay from forming the government. However, he said he rejected the proposal.
The statement has further intensified political speculation in the state, especially amid shifting alliances and growing tensions within the opposition camp.
Vijay Announces TASMAC Crackdown
On his second day in office, Vijay announced the closure of more than 700 TASMAC liquor outlets located within 500 metres of temples, schools and bus stands.
The move was projected as part of the government’s efforts to tighten liquor regulation and address public concerns over the location of alcohol outlets across the state.
However, Vijay also attracted criticism after appointing astrologer Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as Officer on Special Duty to the Chief Minister.
Vettrivel had reportedly predicted Vijay’s landslide electoral victory before the Assembly elections, and the appointment has triggered criticism from opposition parties and sections of social media.
Focus Shifts To Assembly Floor Test
With multiple parties rallying behind him and divisions emerging within the opposition, Vijay currently appears well-positioned ahead of the trust vote.
The confidence motion is expected to be one of the most closely watched political developments in Tamil Nadu in recent years, marking a defining moment in Vijay’s transition from cinema superstar to full-time political leader.