Congress likely to get 2 berths in Vijay's Tamil Nadu cabinet expansion

Vijay is expected to expand the Tamil Nadu cabinet as consultations with allies continue. The move is set to shape representation ahead of the first Assembly session and the 2026-27 Budget.

In Short

• Alliance consultations are under way to finalise the ministerial list soon
• Congress may receive two berths after joining the alliance post-election
• The SP Velumani faction of AIADMK is tipped to secure up to five posts

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Vijay, is expected to move ahead with a major cabinet expansion. The development comes after the newly formed Tamil Nadu government prepares for its first full-fledged Assembly session and key administrative decisions in the coming weeks.

Vijay, who assumed office on May 10 as the new CM, was sworn in along with nine ministers, including N Anand, Aadhav Arjuna and KA Sengottaiyan, marking the beginning of a new political phase in the state.

With the government now settling into office, discussions regarding wider representation for alliance partners and support groups have intensified. During the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s (TVK) first convention at Vikravandi, Vijay had assured that parties and leaders extending support to his government would receive appropriate representation in governance.

Political sources indicate that the Indian National Congress, which joined the alliance after the elections, could be allotted two ministerial berths in the proposed expansion. Leaders associated with the SP Velumani faction, which split from the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and later backed the Vijay-led administration, are also expected to secure representation in the ministry.

As per sources, the faction may be considered for up to five cabinet positions. Other smaller parties and support groups that backed the government are also believed to be seeking ministerial representation.

Consultations with alliance partners and supporting leaders are currently underway as Vijay works towards finalising the structure of the expanded cabinet. Sources said efforts are being made to conclude discussions and prepare the ministerial list within the next few days.

Political observers expect the ministry to eventually expand to nearly 34 members. Under the proposed arrangement, TVK is likely to retain most of the key portfolios while balancing alliance commitments and caste-regional equations.

The swearing-in ceremony for additional ministers is expected to take place at Raj Bhavan in Chennai, where Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar will administer the oath of office.

The cabinet expansion is expected to be followed by the first Assembly session of the new government, beginning with the Governor’s address. The government is also preparing to present the 2026-27 State Budget, which is expected to outline the Vijay administration’s policy priorities and governance roadmap.

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