Vijay Expands TVK Cabinet, Brings Congress Back to Power After 59 Years

Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Thursday carried out a major expansion of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) Cabinet, inducting 23 legislators as ministers , including two from the Indian National Congress , marking the party’s return to governance in Tamil Nadu after nearly six decades .

Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office and secrecy at Lok Bhavan. TVK MLA Srinath, considered a close associate of Vijay, was the first to take oath.

Congress MLAs S. Rajesh Kumar and P. Viswanathan were among those inducted, formally bringing Congress back into the Tamil Nadu government for the first time since 1967. The expanded ministry also includes three women and representatives from minority communities, including Mohamed Farvas J and N Marie Wilson.

A brief moment of drama unfolded during the ceremony when Rajesh Kumar hailed Congress leaders K. Kamaraj, Rajiv Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi while taking oath, prompting Governor Arlekar to ask him to stick to the official text.

Congress leaders termed the development a historic milestone . AICC Tamil Nadu in-charge Girish Chodankar said party workers had waited 59 years for Congress to return to power in the state.

The Cabinet expansion signals a major shift in Tamil Nadu politics , where the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam traditionally avoided sharing Cabinet posts with allies. TVK minister Aadhav Arjuna has also invited allies such as the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and the Indian Union Muslim League to join the government, fuelling speculation of a broader coalition model .