Chennai | The AIADMK has decided to vote against the confidence motion scheduled for May 13, senior party leader Agri S S Krishnamurthy said here on Tuesday.
He also warned that potential cross-voting will face legal consequences.
Addressing a press conference, Krishnamurthy along with O S Manian and other MLAs from the faction supporting Edappadi K Palaniswami, stated that the decision was taken by the party's General Secretary.
"The General Secretary has decided that AIADMK will vote against the confidence motion tomorrow," Krishnamurthy said, adding that all party MLAs have been formally instructed to follow the directive.
Responding to queries regarding potential cross-voting or any "drama" aimed at securing support for the motion, the leader issued a stern warning of legal consequences.
"Legal action will be taken," he said, specifically noting that proceedings would be initiated under the anti-defection law if necessary.
Meanwhile, Manian dismissed claims of a split within the party, asserting that the AIADMK remains united under Palaniswami's leadership.
He noted that 47 MLAs have already submitted a signed document to the Speaker affirming Palaniswami as the Leader of the Legislative Party.
The leader further clarified that only the General Secretary holds the constitutional authority within the party to make such strategic decisions, dismissing contrary statements from other factions as slanders spread by those "hungry for positions".
The current internal crisis in the party is defined by a deep rift between the official leadership under Palaniswami and a rebel faction led by senior leaders C Ve Shanmugam and S P Velumani.
The rebel faction has sought to appoint Velumani as the AIADMK legislature party leader. It has also declared its support for the TVK, which emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats.
It is to be noted that newly elected Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Assembly, J C D Prabhakar, had allowed Velumani to speak after Palaniswami.
Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay had also visited Shanmugam at his residence here on Tuesday.
Chennai | Continuing with his thanksgiving and courtesy outreach meetings, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Tuesday called on leaders of IULM, VCK and Congress, all of whom had supported him in his bid to form his maiden government in the state.
Such meetings with key leaders continued for the second day, with the CM already having met his predecessor, DMK President MK Stalin, and his bitter critic NTK founder Seeman, among others on Monday.
Interestingly, Vijay also met the AIADMK faction led by C Ve Shanmugam and S P Velumani, whose supporting MLAs extended support to the TVK government, which will face its crucial vote of confidence on Wednesday. The AIADMK now stands divided between the respective camps led by party chief Edappadi K Palaniswami and these two senior leaders.
During the visit to IUML party office, Vijay expressed his gratitude for their support and reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding the rights of minorities.
Later, IUML president K M Kader Mohideen said his party welcomed Vijay's decision to shut more than 700 TASMAC liquor outlets in the state.
After a brief stay at the IUML office, Vijay proceeded to TNCC headquarters here and met senior party leaders, including Congress state president K Selvaperunthagai and the party's Tamil Nadu in-charge Girish Chodankar.
Congress Legislative party leader S Rajeshkumar, MLAs and former TNCC presidents were also present at Sathyamurthy Bhavan, the party's headquarters.
The Congress, with five MLAs, was the first to provide support to TVK in forming the government.
In addition, Vijay also met VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan at his residence in Chennai.
Vijay, honoured the leaders with silk shawls and bouquets.
