Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay on Friday completed the expansion of his Cabinet with the induction of two more ministers, taking the total strength of the Council of Ministers to 35, including the Chief Minister himself.
The latest entrants into the Cabinet are AM Shahjahan of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and Vanni Arasu of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), who took oath a day after 23 ministers, including two Congress legislators, were sworn in.
The expanded Cabinet now reflects a broader alliance representation, with key allies securing ministerial berths in the government.
Key Portfolios Retained by CM Vijay
Chief Minister Vijay has retained several crucial departments, including Home, Police, General Administration, Youth Welfare and Urban Water Supply. The decision is being viewed as significant, especially since law and order, governance reforms and women’s safety were among the major promises highlighted during his election campaign.
Apart from internal administration, Vijay will also continue overseeing Special Programme Implementation and Poverty Alleviation-related departments.
Finance Portfolio Handed to N. Marie Wilson
One of the major changes in the Cabinet reshuffle is the transfer of the Finance portfolio. Senior leader K. A. Sengottaiyan, who earlier handled Finance, has now been assigned the Revenue and Disaster Management department.
The Finance, Planning and Development portfolio has been entrusted to N. Marie Wilson, marking a key responsibility shift within the government.
Congress Leaders Get Key Ministries
Among the Congress legislators inducted into the ministry earlier, Rajesh Kumar has been allotted the Tourism department, while P. Viswanathan will head the Higher Education ministry.
The allocation is seen as part of the ruling alliance’s effort to accommodate coalition partners in important governance roles.
Focus on Development, Welfare and Technology
The Cabinet distribution indicates a strong focus on welfare, infrastructure and emerging sectors. Kumar R has been given charge of Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology and Digital Services, while Mohamed Farvas J will oversee Labour Welfare and Skill Development.
Departments related to agriculture, environment, housing, rural development and social welfare have also been distributed among newly inducted ministers.
Full List of Major Portfolios
- CM Vijay: Home, Police, General Administration, Youth Welfare, Urban Water Supply
- N. Marie Wilson: Finance, Planning and Development
- K. A. Sengottaiyan: Revenue and Disaster Management
- Rajesh Kumar: Tourism
- P. Viswanathan: Higher Education
- Kumar R: Artificial Intelligence, IT and Digital Services
- Jegadeshwari K: Social Welfare and Women Empowerment
- Vinoth: Agriculture
- Rajeev: Environment and Climate Change
- Vijay Tamilan Parthiban A: Transport
The remaining ministers have been assigned portfolios linked to irrigation, industries, labour welfare, forests, fisheries, dairy development and public administration.
The Cabinet expansion and portfolio allocation are expected to set the administrative direction for the new government in the coming months.
