Chennai , 22 May (H.S.):

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Friday completed the final phase of his Cabinet expansion, inducting two more legislators into his ministry and taking the coalition government experiment in the state a step further. With the inclusion of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader Vanni Arasu and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) MLA A.M. Shahjahan, the Vijay-led Cabinet has now reached its constitutional limit of 35 members, including the Chief Minister.

Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office and secrecy to the two ministers at a simple ceremony held at Lok Bhavan in Chennai. Chief Minister Vijay, ministers, senior officials and alliance leaders were present at the event.

The expansion is being seen as politically significant, with Vijay broadening representation within the ministry by bringing in leaders from alliance partners and strengthening social inclusivity. Vanni Arasu becomes the first VCK representative to enter a Tamil Nadu Cabinet, while Shahjahan becomes the first-ever IUML leader to hold a ministerial post in the state government.

The induction sparked political reactions, particularly from the DMK. Senior DMK leader A. Raja triggered controversy through remarks on social media that were perceived as targeting alliance partners joining the government. Though Raja did not directly name VCK or IUML, his comments led to sharp responses from the newly formed ruling coalition. Public Works Minister Aadhav Arjuna demanded an apology from Raja, while VCK leaders alleged that one of his deleted social media posts was offensive and inappropriate.

Former Chief Minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin later intervened in an apparent effort to contain the growing war of words.

VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan described the development as a milestone for coalition politics in Tamil Nadu. He said his party had long advocated participation in governance and shared power structures. “This is the first meaningful step towards coalition governance in Tamil Nadu,” he said.

The expanded ministry also reflects broader social representation. The Vijay Cabinet now includes eight Dalit ministers, two Brahmins and several members from minority communities, underscoring the government's effort to project itself as a diverse and inclusive administration.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman