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AIADMK rebels face possible disqualification under anti-defection law after TVK confidence vote
Twenty-five AIADMK legislators backed the TVK government in the confidence vote, while Edappadi K. Palaniswami and 21 supporters opposed it. The split raises questions about disqualification under the anti-defection law and the potential for a party split or byelections. The article also references the 2023 Constitution Bench ruling, noted as not favorable to the rebels.
Why It Matters
This development deepens a crisis within AIADMK and could lead to disqualification of dissidents, a possible party split, and byelections, reshaping the state's political dynamics.
Timeline
3 Events
Disqualification under anti-defection law debated
May 14, 2026
A key question after the vote is whether the dissidents have incurred disqualification under the anti-defection law. Palaniswami faces a difficult choice: seeking their disqualification could trigger a formal split and byelections, while not disqualifying them may allow a rival faction to gain influence; the dissidents lack the two-thirds strength to claim merger with another party, and the 2023 Constitution Bench judgment is cited as unfavourable.
AIADMK MLAs vote in confidence motion in TVK government
May 14, 2026
In the confidence vote on the Tamil Nadu government led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, 25 AIADMK legislators voted in favour of the TVK government, while Edappadi K. Palaniswami and 21 of his supporters voted against.
2023 Constitution Bench judgment on anti-defection law
2023
The article references the 2023 Constitution Bench judgment on anti-defection law, noting it is not in the rebels’ favour.