In a dramatic turn of events in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, the AIADMK staged a walkout on Wednesday, protesting the denial of permission to raise a no-confidence motion against senior DMK ministers, including K Ponmudy, K N Nehru, and V Senthil Balaji.
AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) said that the no-confidence motion was submitted under Assembly Rule 72, but Speaker M. Appavu did not allow it to be presented. “We gave the letter to the Speaker in his room, but he denied permission,” EPS said, addressing the media outside the House.
As AIADMK MLAs staged the walkout, they raised slogans such as “Where is democracy? No permission to raise people’s issue!”
🟠 Why the No-Confidence Motion?
EPS accused DMK ministers of being embroiled in controversies and alleged corruption:
- K. Ponmudy, who recently made derogatory remarks against women and Hindu sects, has since apologised publicly and was relieved of his post as DMK General Secretary. He said, “I immediately regretted my inappropriate remarks. I deeply apologise for this lapse in judgment.”
- K.N. Nehru and his son were subject to Enforcement Directorate raids on April 7.
- V. Senthil Balaji, who is currently under scrutiny over TASMAC-related corruption allegations, was also raided by the ED.
EPS insisted that past Assemblies had discussed no-confidence motions, and questioned the Speaker’s refusal this time.
🔵 Political Dynamics: AIADMK-BJP Alliance Strengthens
On the sidelines of the Assembly uproar, EPS also addressed the newly revived AIADMK-BJP alliance ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, calling it a “pivotal moment.”
“Only elections will decide the strength of this alliance. Votes must not split—we have to defeat our common enemy, the DMK,” said EPS.
The alliance, announced on April 11, is expected to expand further, with EPS hinting at the entry of more parties into the coalition.
“First BJP joined. Soon, more parties will join our AIADMK-BJP alliance,” he said, thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his support.