Sources in the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) say the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), a partner in the TVK-led alliance government headed by Chief Minister Vijay, is pressing for a larger cabinet portfolio in place of the Social Justice department.
The VCK currently holds one ministerial berth, with Vanni Arasu serving as Social Justice Minister. According to TVK functionaries, discussions on inducting the VCK into the cabinet continued until the May 23 expansion, after Vijay took oath as Chief Minister on May 10 along with nine ministers.
TVK leaders claim they had indicated that any portfolio could be allotted, but VCK cadres initially opposed making Vanni Arasu a minister, following which VCK chief Thol. Thirumavalavan publicly said the party did not want a ministerial post. They said Vijay later spoke directly to Thirumavalavan and persuaded him to join the cabinet.
However, the TVK side alleges that there was no detailed discussion on portfolio allocation, and that Thirumavalavan was out of contact for about a week, after which Social Justice was assigned to Vanni Arasu during the expansion.
With the VCK now in the cabinet, TVK sources say Thirumavalavan’s requests—ranging from official transfers to other matters—are being met promptly, and that the party has begun seeking portfolios such as Transport or Higher Education. TVK leaders said the sudden demand for a bigger ministry has surprised the party leadership.
