AIADMK’s No-Confidence Motion Against TN Speaker Fails
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Synopsis
On March 17, the AIADMK's no-confidence motion against Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker M. Appavu was defeated. The motion was criticized by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin as baseless, and the vote resulted in a significant majority opposing the motion, allowing Speaker Appavu to maintain his position.
Key Takeaways
- AIADMK's no-confidence motion against M. Appavu failed.
- Chief Minister M.K. Stalin defended the Speaker's impartiality.
- The vote count was 154 against and 62 in favor.
- Several AIADMK legislators were absent during voting.
- Speaker Appavu remains in position, strengthening DMK's influence.
Chennai, March 17 (NationPress) The no-confidence motion brought forth by the AIADMK against Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker M. Appavu was rejected on Monday.
The motion, introduced by AIADMK Deputy Floor Leader R.B. Udhayakumar under Assembly Rule 68, alleged that the Speaker was biased and acted as a representative of the ruling DMK.
The AIADMK claimed that Appavu’s behavior in the Assembly lacked impartiality and sought his removal.
In response to the motion, Speaker Appavu transferred the proceedings to Deputy Speaker K. Pitchandi.
During the discussion, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin staunchly defended the Speaker, asserting that Appavu had consistently acted without bias and that the motion itself was unfounded.
At the conclusion of the debate, the Deputy Speaker called for a voice vote; however, AIADMK leader and former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) insisted on a division. The House was subsequently divided into six sections for counting. Ultimately, 154 members voted against the motion, while 62 supported it, resulting in its defeat.
Notably, legislators from the faction led by expelled AIADMK leader O. Panneerselvam (OPS) also supported the no-confidence motion.
Senior AIADMK leader K.A. Sengottaiyan, known for his disagreements with EPS, also voted in favor of the resolution. Yet, three AIADMK legislators, including former Speaker P. Dhanapal, were absent during the voting.
The DMK and its allies, comprising the Congress, CPI, CPI(M), Tamilaga Vazhurimai Katchi, and Manithaneya Makkal Katchi, opposed the motion.
Meanwhile, BJP legislators Vanathi Sreenivasan and Saraswathi were detained by Chennai Police earlier that day.
The PMK legislators were also absent from the Assembly during the voting.
Poovai Jagan Moorthy, the leader of Puratchi Bharatham, endorsed the AIADMK’s resolution.
Prior to the division vote, the Assembly doors were secured, and once the votes were tallied, the motion was officially defeated.
This incident follows the AIADMK’s walkout from the Assembly on March 13 during the presentation of the state budget for 2025-26.
EPS had called for the resignation of the DMK government, citing moral responsibility over the alleged liquor scandal in the state. The BJP also boycotted the session. With the no-confidence motion failing, Speaker M. Appavu retains his position, further solidifying the DMK’s influence in the Assembly.
