Tamil Nadu Politics: Allegations of Horse Trading Emerge Amidst Floor Test Win

DMK MLA SS Sivasankar accuses Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and TVK chief C Joseph Vijay of horse trading to secure support during a crucial floor test. Despite party whips, AIADMK MLAs voted in favor, leading to controversy over promises of clean governance. The TVK won the Assembly vote amid political tension.

In a dramatic turn of events on Wednesday, DMK MLA SS Sivasankar accused Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief C Joseph Vijay of orchestrating a 'horse trading' scandal to rally support during a pivotal floor test in the Assembly.

Sivasankar criticized Vijay for allegedly persuading several AIADMK MLAs to vote in favor of his administration, in defiance of their party commands. This action, he argued, starkly contradicts Vijay's election promises of fostering a government rooted in transparency and integrity.

The floor test concluded in favor of the TVK government, which secured 144 votes, while opposition factions, including the DMK, staged a walkout, reducing the vote's effective strength. Meanwhile, differences within the AIADMK have grown with senior leaders like SP Velumani supporting the trust motion, despite directives to oppose it. Legal notices are expected for dissenting MLAs under the anti-defection law.