Chennai: In a significant political development, IUML's A M Shahjahan and VCK's Vanni Arasu were inducted into the Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay-led cabinet on Friday. This expansion brings the total number of ministers in the 17th Tamil Nadu Assembly to 35, completing the final line-up of the TVK's multi-party coalition government.
Portfolio Allocations
Shahjahan has been allocated the Minority Welfare ministry, while Vanni Arasu has been appointed minister for social justice, formerly known as the ministry for Adidravida and tribal welfare. VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan and IUML leader K M Kader Mohideen were present during the swearing-in ceremony held at Lok Bhavan. They later called on CM Vijay at the secretariat and thanked him for inducting the two MLAs into the cabinet.
Rise in Dalit Representation
With this induction, the number of dalit ministers in the Tamil Nadu cabinet has risen to eight. State PWD minister Aadhav Arjuna remarked, “I consider today to be the real social justice day, as the dream of Thanthai Periyar and Dr Ambedkar has come true.” He added that TVK has fulfilled its promise of ‘share in power and governance’ to its allies.
This is the first time VCK and IUML are part of the cabinet in Tamil Nadu. Previously, CM Vijay had inducted two Congress MLAs into his council of ministers. In total, four cabinet berths are now occupied by candidates who contested the April 23 polls under the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance.
Rejecting Caste-Based Criticism
Arjuna stated that TVK never chose candidates or allotted ministries based on caste calculations. Dismissing criticism over allocating the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments portfolio to Ramesh, who belongs to the Brahmin community, Arjuna said the party was not even aware of his caste until now.
‘Tamil Thai Vaazhthu’ Row Continues
The controversy over the ‘Tamil Thai Vaazhthu’ anthem refused to die down, as the Tamil invocation song was played third during the swearing-in ceremony on Friday as well. “The Governor is firm on following the Union Government’s circular. We are holding discussions with legal experts and planning to approach the Court regarding the issue,” said PWD minister Aadhav Arjuna at the Secretariat, addressing the Tamil anthem row.
The induction of VCK and IUML into the cabinet marks a new chapter in Tamil Nadu politics, reflecting the evolving alliance dynamics and the government's commitment to social justice, even as it navigates contentious issues like the anthem row.
