India, May 13 -- The split within the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) came out in the open in the Tamil Nadu assembly on Wednesday after 25 of the party's 47 MLAs, aligned with the SP Velumani faction, extended support to the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) during a floor test.

The development unfolded during the confidence motion in the assembly when Velumani, who is currently leading a rival faction within the party, rose to speak, triggering commotion in the House. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami objected and urged Speaker JCD Prabhakar not to allow Velumani to speak.

Responding to Palaniswami's objection, Prabhakar said he was permitting members to speak under his powers and asked the AIADMK c...