TN Cabinet expanded as more legislators join Vijay-led ministry

The TVK Cabinet in Tamil Nadu has been expanded with 23 new members, including two Congress MLAs, in a move marking the party's return to government after decades.

Nearly two weeks after forming government, the maiden TVK Cabinet was expanded on Thursday with the scheduled inclusion of 23 new members, including two Congress MLAs, in the C Joseph Vijay-led ministry.

The swearing-in ceremony was underway at the Lok Bhavan since 10 am, with Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administering the oath of office to the minister-designates. TVK MLAs, including Srinath, S Kamali, C Vijayalakshmi and R V Ranjithkumar were initially sworn-in as ministers.

According to a Lok Bhavan release ahead of the oath-taking ceremony, a total of 23 MLAs, including two from the Congress, are scheduled to be sworn-in.

The Cabinet expansion marks the Congress' return to government in Tamil Nadu after decades as the Dravidian majors--DMK and AIADMK, have never accommodated allies, including the national party that has aligned with both the parties at different points of time.

The first non-Congress government in post-independent India was ushered in by Dravidian stalwart and DMK founder CN Annadaurai in 1967 when he led the party to a stupendous win against the then ruling Congress.

On Thursday, Congress legislators S Rajesh Kumar and P Viswanathan will take oath as ministers, AICC general secretary K C Venugopal had said on Wednesday.

TVK top leader and Minister for Public Works and Sports Development, Aadhav Arjuna on Wednesday urged the Congress, VCK and IUML to join the government and said it was the wish of Chief Minister Vijay.

Viswanathan was elected from Melur (Madurai) and Rajesh Kumar won from Killiyoor segment (Kanyakumari).