IN A major political and administrative exercise aimed at strengthening governance and broadening representation, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Thursday carried out the first major expansion of the Tamil Nadu Cabinet, inducting 23 new ministers and simultaneously restructuring key portfolios. The move significantly expands the administrative structure of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led Government that assumed office earlier this month. S Rajesh Kumar of Killiyoor and P Viswanathan of Melur were inducted into the Cabinet, marking Congress’ entry into the Tamil Nadu Government after nearly six decades. Rajesh Kumar was assigned the Tourism portfolio while Viswanathan was given charge of Higher Education, including Technical Education, Electronics, Science and Technology. Apart from the induction of new faces, the Government also revised responsibilities among senior ministers.

 

Chief Minister Vijay retained core departments including Home, Police and General Administration, while adding Special Initiatives and Poverty Alleviation-related subjects under his direct control. Minister N Anand relinquished poverty alleviation responsibilities, while R. Nirmalkumar’s Law and Energy portfolios underwent modifications. A major reshuffle involved K A Sengottaiyan, who was shifted from Finance to Revenue and Disaster Management. The crucial Finance, Planning and Development portfolio has now been assigned to the newly-inducted minister N Marie Wilson. VCK chief Thol Thirumavalan on Thursday said that his party decided to join the TVK-led Cabinet in Tamil Nadu, and his party legislator Vanni Arasu will be nominated for induction. Thirumavalavan announced that the decision was taken after knowing the views of his party officebearers, and there was an overwhelming support for the idea of joining the government. VCK enjoys predominantly Dalit support, and it has been a long-time ally of DMK.