EPS Softens, Tamil Nadu Speaker Drops Action Against AIADMK Mlas Who Backed TVK In Floor Test

AIADMK MLAs Back TVK, Speaker Drops Disqualification Moves

In a surprising turn of events, 25 out of 47 AIADMK MLAs sided with the Tamil Nadu Vanniyar Katchi (TVK) during a recent floor test, contributing to TVK's successful bid for government formation. This coalition includes support from several parties, such as Congress, VCK, IUML, CPI, and CPI(M). Despite EPS's directive to oppose any backing of TVK, senior AIADMK leaders like S.P. Velumani and C.V. Shanmugam played a pivotal role in securing 144 votes in favor of the trust vote.

Although there were petitions to disqualify the dissenting MLAs, EPS has eased his stance on the matter. Previously, four AIADMK MLAs—K. Maragatham Kumaravel, P. Sathyabama, S. Jayakumar, and Esakki Subaya—resigned from the assembly to align with TVK officially, leading to their resignations being accepted by Speaker Prabhakar. This development has resulted in impending by-elections to fill the gaps in their constituencies.

The remaining 21 rebel MLAs will retain their status within the AIADMK without facing anti-defection challenges. The party has been grappling with internal divisions, particularly between the EPS-led faction and the rebel group led by Velumani and Shanmugam, stemming from differing views on alliances and strategies. However, just last month, the rebel faction announced its formal reunion with the EPS camp, signaling a potential shift in party dynamics.