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 the lone AMMK MLA.

After the DMK legislators and the lone DMDK MLA, Premallatha Vijayakant, walked out, the confidence motion moved by Mr. Vijay was put to vote by Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar, despite AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami’s opposition to allowing rebel AIADMK leader – and his confidant until a few days ago – S.P. Velumani from speaking on the party’s behalf.

Also Read: Tamil Nadu Assembly session LIVE- May 13, 2026

Mr. Velumani’s camp pledged support to Mr. Vijay. In the end, the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) secured 144 votes, with 22 MLAs from Mr. Palaniswami’s camp opposing it. Four PMK MLAs and the lone BJP MLA ‘abstained’ from voting.

Vijay thanks voters, MLAs

Thanking everyone in the Assembly, Mr. Vijay said the people had reposed faith in the TVK government, just as they did in 1967 and 1977 to usher in “governments of the common people.” The “whistle revolution” had secured over 34.92% of votes to elect the TVK as the single-largest party in less than three years of its formation.

“The majority was missed by a thin margin. If anyone thinks that this is a minority government, we are happy. This is a minority government, which will truly safeguard the rights of the minorities,” he said, adding that his government was for everyone which has been reflected in the confidence motion. The Chief Minister further promised a democratic, secular regime rooted in social justice.

Reiterating that this was “the common people’s rule,” Mr. Vijay said the government was for the good of everyone and the public would realise this as time goes by. “This is not a government to show power or authority, or hatred. People and public welfare are important. It is the sole objective of this government,” he said.