TVK’s Vijay-Led Tamil Nadu Govt Likely To Expand Cabinet Tomorrow As IUML, VCK Set To Join

Actor-politician Vijay's government in Tamil Nadu is likely to undergo its first cabinet expansion tomorrow, with the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) expected to formally join the administration, according to sources. The move comes days after both parties extended support to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government following the Assembly election results.

Allies Set To Join Vijay Government

The IUML and VCK, whose support became important after TVK fell just short of a majority on its own, had initially delayed confirming their participation in the government despite backing Vijay during the government formation process.

The Left bloc and the VCK eventually agreed to support the administration, stating that their decision had the approval of DMK chief M. K. Stalin. The allies had argued that supporting Vijay's government was necessary to prevent the BJP from gaining influence in the state through the possibility of Governor's Rule.

While the VCK had remained non-committal for several days, party chief Thol. Thirumavalavan on Wednesday said the party would deliberate on TVK's invitation to join the cabinet.

"We did not demand ministerial positions as a precondition for extending support. We offered unconditional support solely for government formation despite winning only two seats," he had said.

Cabinet Swearing-In Left Two Vacancies

Even after extending support, the VCK did not immediately nominate any MLA for ministerial positions. As a result, only 21 MLAs from TVK and two Congress legislators took oath during the initial swearing-in ceremony earlier today.

The IUML also held back from naming a representative despite indicating acceptance of TVK's offer on Wednesday. However, party president K. M. Kader Mohideen formally confirmed on Thursday morning that the party would join the government and announced Papanasam MLA AM Shahjahan as its cabinet nominee.

At present, the cabinet consists of 33 ministers, leaving two vacancies that are now expected to be filled by representatives from the IUML and VCK.

AIADMK Rebels Unlikely To Get Cabinet Berths

With the expected induction of ministers from the IUML and VCK, the possibility of rebel AIADMK legislators being accommodated in the cabinet now appears remote.

The CPI and CPM, meanwhile, have decided to stay out of the government despite extending support to Vijay's administration.

During Vijay's trust vote on May 13, a group of 25 rebel AIADMK MLAs led by S. P. Velumani and C. V. Shanmugam had voted in favour of the government.

Vijay's interaction with the rebel faction before the trust vote had reportedly caused unease among alliance partners. The Left parties had even warned they would "reconsider" their support if AIADMK rebels were rewarded with cabinet positions despite what they described as a negative public mandate against the party.

TVK Short Of Majority Despite Massive Mandate

In the April 23 Assembly elections, TVK secured 108 seats, emerging as the single largest party but falling marginally short of the majority mark. Congress, which won five seats, backed Vijay from the beginning.

The Left parties, along with the IUML and VCK, each won two seats and later extended support, helping strengthen the stability of the new government in Tamil Nadu.