Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader C. Joseph Vijay is set to become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday, accompanied by nine ministers, marking a new political era in the state. However, the new government must complete two key constitutional procedures in the Assembly before commencing its functions — the election of the Speaker and a trust vote. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has instructed the Vijay-led government to demonstrate its majority by May 13.
As part of the process, the Assembly will first elect a Speaker and Deputy Speaker. The ruling coalition is likely to propose its candidate for Speaker, while the opposition may nominate a contender, setting the stage for a contest on the Assembly floor. In case of a contest, voting will take place, and the winning candidate will be declared Speaker.
If a consensus candidate emerges, the tradition of the Chief Minister and the Leader of the Opposition escorting the newly elected Speaker to the Chair is anticipated. Subsequently, the government will table a confidence motion either on the same day or on May 13.
A member from the ruling side will present the motion seeking the House’s confidence, followed by Chief Minister Vijay addressing the Assembly to seek support. Leaders of opposition parties are also expected to engage in the discussion. The trust vote could be a tense and closely monitored process, particularly if the opposition requests a division vote.
According to Assembly protocol, a formal division must be permitted by the Speaker upon request. Bells will be rung thrice to summon all MLAs to the House before the voting begins. The Assembly Secretary will oversee the division-wise voting, with MLAs in favor and against the motion standing separately in each of the six divisions.
The Chief Minister traditionally sits in the first division, while the Leader of the Opposition occupies a seat in the sixth division opposite. The final count will be reported to the Speaker, who will announce the outcome of the confidence motion. If the motion passes, the Vijay government will continue its term. In case of defeat, steps may be taken to dissolve the government by the Governor. Given the narrow majority of the ruling alliance, the presence of every MLA from the alliance is crucial during the floor test.
