Chennai: Chief Minister Vijay has agreed in principle to allocate ministerial posts to five MLAs from the AIADMK dissident camp, sources said. The move comes as the government prepares to expand into a full Cabinet after proving its majority in the Assembly.
In the Assembly election, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) won 107 seats and formed the government with the support of allies—Congress, VCK, CPI(M), CPI, and the Muslim League—taking the backing to 120 MLAs. Amid a split in the AIADMK, 25 MLAs aligned with former minister S.P. Velumani reportedly voted in support of the TVK government.
Sources said Vijay met the Velumani-side MLAs at former minister C.V. Shanmugam’s office a day earlier, after which support for the government increased. With the majority established, the government is expected to induct a full Cabinet soon.
According to information in circulation, Vijay has offered five ministerial berths to the Velumani faction—one for every five MLAs. However, Velumani and Shanmugam are said to be pressing for eight posts, arguing that retaining all 25 MLAs and drawing a few more from Edappadi K. Palaniswami’s side would make their position more secure.
Supporters of the dissident group said several leaders could be in contention for ministerial roles, including Velumani, C.V. Shanmugam, C. Vijayabaskar, Kamaraj, K.C. Veeramani and M.R. Vijayabaskar.
