Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay expanded the Tamil Nadu state government on Thursday by swearing in 23 new ministers [1].
The expansion marks a strategic move to consolidate the ruling TVK coalition by integrating key partners two weeks after the government was first formed [2].
Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office at Lok Bhavan in Chennai [1]. The new appointments include members from the TVK, Congress, VCK, and IUML parties [2].
According to some reports, the 23 new ministers consist of 21 MLAs from the TVK and two from the Congress [3]. However, other sources indicate that the expansion also includes representatives from the VCK and IUML [2].
The inclusion of Congress members is particularly notable, as the party has been out of the Tamil Nadu government for 59 years [1]. TVK leadership said the invitation for Congress, VCK, and IUML to join the government was the wish of Chief Minister Vijay [2].
TVK minister Aadhav Arjuna said, "CM wants the Cabinet to function like one family" [4].
The ceremony follows a period of rapid political transition in the state. The administration is now seeking to stabilize its legislative base by sharing executive power among its alliance partners to ensure a more cohesive governing body.
“CM wants the Cabinet to function like one family.”
This cabinet expansion signals a shift from a narrow party-led administration to a broader coalition government. By bringing in the Congress, VCK, and IUML, Vijay is attempting to minimize friction within his alliance and secure wider political legitimacy across different demographic and ideological blocs in Tamil Nadu.
