The Congress and the allies of the DMK in the Secular Progressive Alliance reaffirmed their support to the new government under Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay during the discussion on the trust vote in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Wednesday (May 13, 2026).

Congress Legislature Party leader S. Rajesh Kumar said the confidence motion presented the parties with a historical responsibility to restore public faith in the Constitution, secularism, and social justice. The  Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) bagged 108 seats and emerged as the single largest party. However, it was 10 short of an absolute majority. The question then was whether the people’s verdict should be respected or the BJP should be allowed backdoor entry. That was when the Congress, with five MLAs, and the Left parties, the IUML, and the VCK decided to support the TVK in forming a government. The Chief Minister, he added, had approached only these “secular parties” to protect democracy and prevent the BJP’s indirect rule in the State. The verdict also showed that the people had summarily rejected the BJP’s divisive politics, he added.

CPI(M) floor leader R. Chellaswamy said the election outcome indicated that the people had rejected the divisive forces. Instead of asking the  TVK to form a government, the Governor was trying to usher in President’s Rule. At this juncture, the party decided to ensure a stable government and extended outside support to the TVK. The CPI(M) would support people-friendly policies and oppose anti-people policies. It would also help the government secure funds from the Centre.

VCK floor leader Vanni Arasu expressed the hope that the new government would complete its full term with the support of the secular parties. The VCK’s support was essential for a stable government, and the party backed the TVK to prevent any indirect rule by the BJP. He urged the Chief Minister to be cautious of the delimitation planned by the Union government and enact a law to prevent honour killing and root out superstitions.

IUML floor leader A.M. Shahjahan said his party backed the TVK to prevent the BJP’s indirect rule. He urged the new government to uphold social harmony and social justice and continue the welfare schemes introduced by the DMK government.

CPI floor leader T. Ramachandran said the Union government was taking over the rights of the States. And the BJP was swallowing regional parties, and stood against secularism. The Chief Minister should vehemently oppose the divisive forces, he said.