Tamil Nadu Minister for Sports Development Aadhav Arjuna on Wednesday refuted the reports of the AIADMK rebel faction joining the state Cabinet after the CPM threatened to withdraw support in such circumstances.
Responding to CPM’s warning, the minister said, “We spoke to them and cleared it. AIADMK rebel faction joining the Cabinet is only speculation.”
Speaking about when the swearing-in of the remaining cabinet will take place, the minister said that the chief minister will announce the dates.
The minister said that the list with complete portfolios of ministers has been given to the Governor. He added that the Gazette notification regarding this will come today itself.
Minister Arjuna said that the ministers have taken charge after the swearing-in; however, the portfolios have not been finalised yet.
‘Would Reconsider Support’: CPM Warns TVK Over AIADMK Rebel Cabinet Buzz
Actor-politician Vijay’s government in Tamil Nadu appeared to be facing another wave of conflict in its coalition as one of its allies, CPI (M), warned that they would “reconsider support” to the government if the AIADMK allies join the coalition or the Cabinet.
When asked about AIADMK rebel MLAs joining the coalition, the CPM said that including any faction of AIADMK in the TVK government will be going against the mandate of the people, who have clearly voted against the DMK and AIADMK.
Also Read: CPM Warns Vijay It May Reconsider Support If TVK Aligns With AIADMK
The party said that the presence of AIADMK in the coalition will also go against the promise of TVK of maintaining clean governance.
“We are supporting the TVK as Tamil Nadu is not ready for another poll and we don’t want the BJP to make a rear entry through Governor’s rule,” the CPM stated.
AIADMK’s Support To TVK
Vijay’s TVK stunned Tamil Nadu’s political establishment in the May 4 Assembly election, dismantling the state’s long-standing two-party dominance and emerging as the single largest force with 108 seats in the 234-member House. However, the party fell 10 seats short of the majority mark, triggering intense post-poll negotiations and alliance-building efforts.
After days of political manoeuvring, TVK secured the backing of Congress, which won five seats, along with support from the Left parties, VCK and the IUML, helping Vijay strengthen his numbers ahead of the crucial trust vote on May 13.
The confidence motion eventually exposed deep cracks within the AIADMK. While party chief Edappadi K Palaniswami had opposed extending support to Vijay, a section of AIADMK legislators openly defied the leadership.
Twenty-four MLAs broke ranks, ignored the party whip and voted in favour of the TVK government, pushing Vijay’s tally to 144 lawmakers.
The rebellion has since triggered disciplinary proceedings within the AIADMK, including action under the anti-defection law.
The support from rebel legislators has also become a source of unease for the ruling alliance, particularly after Vijay’s meeting with the dissident AIADMK MLAs ahead of the floor test drew sharp reactions from coalition partners, such as the CPM.
