EPS-led AIADMK moves court against 25 rebel MLAs; Shanmugam faction prepares counter

Following the dramatic floor test that brought the TVK coalition to power, the AIADMK under Edappadi K. Palaniswami formally filed a disqualification petition against the 25 rebel MLAs who voted in favour of CM Vijay's confidence motion despite the party whip issued on May 12.

"We have submitted a petition today seeking their disqualification. If the rebels vote against the whip issued by the party, the anti-defection law will apply to them," senior AIADMK leaders told reporters, confirming the petition had been filed with the Speaker.

The rebel faction, led by former ministers C.Ve. Shanmugam and S.P. Velumani, said they were prepared to contest the disqualification proceedings. Both factions are now consolidating their respective positions ahead of what is expected to be a protracted legal battle. The outcome of these proceedings will determine whether the AIADMK's legislative presence is formally reduced, and could have significant implications for the shape of opposition politics in the 17th Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.