A faction of the AIADMK led by senior leader C.V. Shanmugam on Tuesday announced support to the ruling coalition headed by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, adding a fresh twist to the state’s post-election political developments.

The development comes amid an escalating internal power struggle within the AIADMK following the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election results. Reports indicate that the Shanmugam-S.P. Velumani camp has been attempting to consolidate support from party MLAs while differences with the Edappadi K. Palaniswami faction continue to deepen.

According to reports, the Shanmugam faction decided to back the Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government ahead of a crucial floor test in the Assembly. The move is being viewed as a significant political shift in Tamil Nadu, where parties have been exploring alliances and support arrangements after the fractured mandate delivered in the Assembly polls.

TVK emerged as the single-largest party in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections with 108 seats, falling short of the majority mark of 118 in the 234-member House. Since the results, multiple political developments and alliance discussions have continued in the state.

The AIADMK has also been witnessing internal disagreements over the legislature party leadership. Reports said rival camps within the party submitted separate claims regarding leadership positions and legislative appointments.

Assam Chief Minister-designate Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said the new BJP-led NDA government in the state is likely to have around 18 to 19 ministers in the council of ministers.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the oath-taking ceremony scheduled for May 12, Sarma said discussions regarding the final composition of the cabinet are still underway and no names have been finalised yet.

“There may be around 18-19 ministers, but whether we include new faces or retain experienced ones will depend on the guidance we receive,” Sarma said while responding to questions on cabinet formation.

The swearing-in ceremony of the new Assam government will take place at the Veterinary College ground in Guwahati. Sarma is set to begin his second consecutive term as chief minister after the BJP-led NDA secured a sweeping victory in the Assam Assembly elections.

The NDA won 102 seats in the 126-member Assam Assembly, paving the way for the alliance to form the government for a third straight term in the state.

Sarma also said the new government would continue focusing on Assam’s welfare and development over the next five years, adding that the alliance had received a strong public mandate in the elections.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann suffered a political setback after his cousin Gyan Singh Mann joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in Punjab on Sunday. The development comes at a time when political tensions between the BJP and the Aam Aadmi Party have intensified in the state.

Gyan Singh Mann joined the BJP in the presence of Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and senior BJP leaders. BJP leaders described the move as a sign of growing support for the party in Punjab ahead of upcoming political contests in the state.

The BJP has recently sharpened its attacks on the AAP government over issues including law and order, corruption allegations and political defections. Political friction between the two parties has also increased after recent protests and clashes involving party workers in Punjab.

The latest switch comes amid broader political turbulence for the AAP in Punjab. In recent weeks, the party has faced internal strain following high-profile exits and accusations exchanged between leaders of both parties.

Neither Bhagwant Mann nor the AAP leadership immediately issued a detailed public response to Gyan Singh Mann joining the BJP at the time of reporting.