For the first time in almost sixty years, the Indian National Congress will be part of the Tamil Nadu Cabinet, with two of its MLAs set to be sworn in as ministers in the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam-led government on Thursday. This move follows the approval from Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge for the inclusion of party MLAs S. Rajesh Kumar and P. Viswanathan in the state Cabinet under Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. The decision signifies a significant political change in Tamil Nadu, indicating a new phase of power-sharing within the ruling alliance supporting the TVK government.
Congress MP Manickam Tagore described the event as historic for the party after a long hiatus, emphasizing the party’s commitment to serving the people. He highlighted the importance of this moment, stating that the Congress party had patiently waited for many years to hold power in Tamil Nadu. The induction of the Congress MLAs coincides with the memorial day of former Prime Minister late Rajiv Gandhi, with Tamil Nadu Congress State President K. Selvaperunthagai expressing confidence that the newly-appointed ministers would uphold Rajiv Gandhi’s principles in their work.
Girish Chodankar, the Congress incharge of Tamil Nadu, expressed the enthusiasm among party workers regarding the development, attributing it to their persistent demand for representation in governance. He dedicated the ministries to the party workers, acknowledging their unwavering support for the party’s ideology through various challenges. The decision to include the Congress in the Cabinet was welcomed by Congress leader Su. Thirunavukkarasar, who appreciated the gesture from the TVK leadership and expressed gratitude on behalf of the party and its members.
Senior Congress leader K.V. Thangkabalu reflected on the significance of the Indian National Congress rejoining the ministry after almost six decades, recalling previous attempts at power-sharing arrangements in the state. Thangkabalu expressed satisfaction with the development, noting past efforts in 2009 that did not materialize. The Cabinet expansion follows the political realignments post the Tamil Nadu Assembly election results on May 4, which resulted in a fragmented mandate with no single party securing a clear majority.
