Chennai: After decades without a coalition cabinet in the state, Tamil Nadu has now formed a coalition government under Chief Minister Vijay. On Wednesday, 23 ministers were sworn in, including two from the Congress party, while the Indian Union Muslim League and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) are expected to get representation as well.
Vijay, leader of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), took oath as Chief Minister on May 10 along with nine ministers. With the latest round of inductions, the cabinet has expanded further, and one minister each from the Muslim League and VCK is slated to take oath on Thursday.
According to the report, no party secured a clear majority in the recently concluded Assembly election. TVK won 108 seats and formed the government with the support of Congress, VCK, the Muslim League, the CPI(M) and the CPI.
Congress, which has five MLAs, has been allotted two cabinet berths—Viswanathan as Higher Education Minister and Rajeshkumar as Tourism Minister. The report notes that this marks Congress’ return to the Tamil Nadu cabinet after 59 years, and that a coalition cabinet with partner parties has emerged in the state after 74 years.
The cabinet currently has 32 ministers, including seven from Scheduled Castes. The report adds that if VCK joins the cabinet, the number of Scheduled Caste ministers could rise to eight.
