Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay is set to face a crucial trust vote in the Assembly on Wednesday, even as a growing rebellion within the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam has turned the political spotlight on party chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami, popularly known as EPS.

The trust vote comes days after Vijay took oath as chief minister following the Assembly election, where his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam emerged as the single-largest party but remained short of the majority mark in the 234-member House.

TVK currently holds 107 seats after Vijay vacated one of the constituencies he had won. The party has secured support from the Congress and outside backing from allies including CPI, CPI(M), IUML and VCK, bringing it close to the required majority figure of 118.

Political uncertainty continues over the participation of MLA Srinivasa Sethupathi, whose eligibility to vote remains under judicial review. The matter has reached the Supreme Court after proceedings in the Madras High Court. Despite the legal challenge, the Vijay-led government is expected to survive the floor test with support from allies and independent backing.

Rebel AIADMK camp raises pressure on EPS

The biggest challenge emerging ahead of the confidence motion is within the AIADMK itself. A faction of nearly 30 AIADMK MLAs, led by senior leaders SP Velumani and C Ve Shanmugam, has reportedly extended support to Vijay during the trust vote.

The development has intensified internal tensions in the opposition party following its poor performance in the Assembly election, where the AIADMK secured only 47 seats.

Several leaders within the party are said to be questioning EPS’s leadership and strategy after the electoral setback. The rebel support for Vijay has further fuelled speculation over a possible split or leadership challenge inside the AIADMK.

Trust vote seen as key political test

Political observers view the floor test as more than just a numbers game for the new government. The outcome is also being seen as a crucial moment for the future of the AIADMK and the authority of EPS within the party.

Ahead of the vote, Vijay held meetings with alliance leaders as well as members of the rebel AIADMK faction, signalling attempts to consolidate support and ensure stability for the newly formed government.

The Assembly proceedings are expected to be closely watched as both the TVK government and the AIADMK leadership face a defining political moment in Tamil Nadu politics.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has appointed astrologer and TVK spokesperson Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Chief Minister, a move that has sparked criticism from allies and opposition leaders.

Radhan Pandit, who had publicly predicted a major electoral victory for Vijay and the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, has been considered a close aide of the Chief Minister during the party’s election campaign.

The appointment drew sharp reactions from leaders within the Congress and Left parties. Congress MP Sasikanth Senthil questioned the decision in a post on X, asking why an astrologer required an OSD position in government.

Leaders from the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and CPI(M) also criticised the move, arguing that such appointments go against the principles of scientific temper and secular governance.

According to reports, Radhan Pandit was among the first people to visit Vijay’s residence after TVK’s strong performance in the assembly elections. He has also been associated with the party as a spokesperson and political commentator.

The controversy comes amid rapid political developments in Tamil Nadu following the formation of the new TVK-led government.

Maharashtra opposition parties on Tuesday demanded an all-party meeting after Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to citizens to adopt austerity measures amid rising concerns over the ongoing West Asia crisis.

The prime minister recently urged people to avoid non-essential gold purchases, reduce petrol and diesel usage, postpone foreign travel and consider work-from-home practices to help minimise the economic impact of global uncertainty.

Leaders from opposition parties in Maharashtra said the Centre should hold detailed discussions with political parties and explain the broader economic situation to the public. They raised concerns over the possible impact of geopolitical tensions on fuel prices, inflation and the overall economy.

Some opposition leaders also questioned the timing of the austerity appeal, saying citizens deserve greater clarity on the government’s plans to tackle any economic challenges arising from the crisis in West Asia.

Meanwhile, BJP leaders defended the prime minister’s remarks, describing them as precautionary steps aimed at reducing pressure on foreign exchange reserves and controlling inflationary risks linked to global supply disruptions.

The debate comes as concerns grow globally over energy supplies and rising crude oil prices due to tensions in West Asia.