The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government, led by C. Joseph Vijay, is set for its first Cabinet expansion on Thursday. This move is crucial for balancing political interests, including alliance expectations, regional representation, and internal party dynamics. Consultations for finalizing the ministerial list are in the last stages, with a likely swearing-in ceremony scheduled for Thursday morning.
Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, currently holding additional charge, is expected to arrive in Chennai on Wednesday evening to oversee the expansion formalities. The government is likely to include Congress, its alliance partner, in the expanded Cabinet. Two Congress legislators are top contenders for ministerial positions.
While there were speculations about AIADMK members getting Cabinet berths, sources suggest that the ruling leadership has backed off due to strong opposition from alliance partners like Congress, Left parties, and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK). A senior minister clarified that there were no formal discussions on inducting AIADMK legislators into the Cabinet, emphasizing their support during the Assembly confidence vote was political.
Advisers and alliance partners have cautioned against making politically sensitive decisions that could lead to instability at the start of the government’s term. Lobbying within the TVK has intensified, with first-time MLAs and influential party members vying for Cabinet representation. The expansion aims to fill vacancies in over 20 key government departments, including Higher Education, Revenue, Transport, and Social Welfare.
Several portfolios like Agriculture, Housing, Tourism, Information Technology, and others remain without appointed ministers. Some departments are operating under informal supervision by existing ministers, with officials handling files and discussions until formal portfolio allocations are made.
