Chief Minister C. Vijay presided over a cabinet expansion on May 20, 2026, where 23 lawmakers were sworn in as ministers [1].
The ceremony marks a significant political shift in Tamil Nadu, as the Congress party returns to the state cabinet for the first time in 59 years. This alignment follows the election victory of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and is intended to solidify a majority government.
Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office at the Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai. The newly inducted group consists of 21 MLAs from the TVK and two MLAs from the Congress party [2].
The expansion comes after a period of political maneuvering following the state elections. While some early reports suggested the chief minister might have taken office as early as May 7, official proceedings for this specific cabinet expansion were finalized on Wednesday [3].
The inclusion of Congress representatives signals a strategic partnership between the TVK and the national party to ensure legislative stability. The 21 TVK ministers will lead the majority of the portfolios, while the two Congress members integrate the party back into the executive branch of the state government [2].
This move is viewed as an effort to broaden the government's base of support across the region. The ceremony in Chennai served as the formal start for the expanded administration's operational phase.
“Congress party returns to the state cabinet for the first time in 59 years”
The return of the Congress party to the Tamil Nadu cabinet after nearly six decades indicates a realignment of power in the state. By integrating Congress members into a TVK-led government, Chief Minister Vijay is not only securing a numerical majority but also bridging a long-standing gap between his party and the national political establishment, potentially altering the state's legislative trajectory.
