The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has extended an open invitation to the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) to join the state cabinet [1].
This move represents an attempt to establish Tamil Nadu’s first multiparty ministry by incorporating secular parties into the government [1, 2].
Minister Aadhav Arjuna announced the invitations on Wednesday, stating that the inclusion of these parties reflects the wishes of the Chief Minister [1]. "We invite VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan to be part of the Council of Ministers. This is the wish of the Chief Minister as well," Arjuna said [1]. He added that the IUML should also join the Council of Ministers and that invitations have been conveyed to their leaders [1].
Thol Thirumavalavan, leader of the VCK, indicated that the party would not commit immediately. "We will discuss with VCK leaders before taking a decision on joining the TVK government," Thirumavalavan said [2].
The expansion comes as the government prepares for a cabinet oath ceremony scheduled for May 21, 2026 [1, 3]. Reports on the size of the new cabinet vary. Some sources indicate 23 new ministers will be sworn in [3], while others suggest at least 21 ministers are likely to be inducted [2].
The political shift is particularly notable for the Congress party, which is expected to join the TVK alliance [3]. This transition marks a significant return to power for the party after being out of power for 59 years [3].
“"We invite VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan to be part of the Council of Ministers."”
The formation of a multiparty ministry under C Joseph Vijay signals a strategic shift toward a broad-tent coalition in Tamil Nadu. By integrating the VCK and IUML, the TVK aims to consolidate secular and minority support, potentially stabilizing the government's legislative base while breaking a decades-long streak of exclusion for the Congress party.
