Chennai, May 14:.
In an unprecedented development in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, 25 AIADMK MLAs cross-voted in favour of the confidence motion moved by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, triggering a major political split within the party.
Following their defiance of the party whip, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami removed all 25 rebel legislators from their party posts, including key organisational responsibilities.
The rebel group, led by senior leaders including S P Velumani, C Ve Shanmugam and C Vijayabhaskar, supported the TVK government, helping it secure a clear majority in the trust vote.
EPS accused the MLAs of betrayal and alleged political inducement and “poaching” by the ruling party. The rebel camp, however, questioned his leadership and claimed they represent the majority within the legislature party.
The dramatic cross-voting has placed the AIADMK at a critical crossroads, deepening internal divisions amid ongoing organisational and electoral challenges.