Tamil Nadu chief minister C Joseph Vijay on Thursday expanded his cabinet, inducting 23 new ministers in a move aimed at rewarding loyalists, accommodating allies and reshaping the state’s social and political balance.
The expansion also marked the return of the Indian National Congress to the Tamil Nadu government after 59 years, with party legislators P Viswanathan and S Rajesh Kumar joining the ministry.
The two Congress ministers were allocated the higher education and tourism portfolios respectively.
With 21 ministers from Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam taking oath alongside the Congress leaders, the state cabinet now has 33 ministers.
Seven Dalit Ministers Inducted In Historic Move
In a significant political signal, Vijay inducted seven Dalit ministers — the highest representation for the community in Tamil Nadu’s history.
The number is expected to increase to eight if the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi joins the ministry later.
Two cabinet positions have reportedly been kept vacant for the Indian Union Muslim League and VCK, leaving no room for the anti-EPS faction of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
Cabinet Includes Two Brahmin Ministers
The cabinet expansion also departed from Tamil Nadu’s recent political trend by including two Brahmin ministers.
Mylapore MLA P Venkataramanan had already been inducted in the first phase of swearing-in on May 10. On Thursday, Srirangam legislator S Ramesh was sworn in and given the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments portfolio.
One Of Tamil Nadu’s Youngest Cabinets
The new ministry is among the youngest cabinets in the state’s history.
Nine ministers are below the age of 40, while two are under 30. Only four ministers are above 60 years old.
K A Sengottaiyan, aged 78, is the oldest minister in the cabinet.
There are four women ministers, including 28-year-old Kamali, who was given the animal husbandry portfolio, and 29-year-old Keerthana, who will handle industries.
Key Portfolios Allocated
First-time MLA Marie Wilson, representing R K Nagar, was appointed finance minister, replacing Sengottaiyan, who was shifted to the revenue department.
Vijay’s close associate Srinath was allocated fisheries, while Vinoth, a long-time member of Vijay’s fan association, was appointed agriculture minister.
