In a major post-election development, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader and Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Saturday announced the allocation of portfolios to his newly formed cabinet, marking the first major administrative move after taking charge as the ninth Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
Vijay, who has also retained crucial departments for himself, has taken control of the Home portfolio along with responsibilities covering general administration, police, public affairs, and women and youth welfare, signalling a tightly centralised governance structure in the early phase of his government.
Among the key allocations, senior leader K. A. Sengottaiyan has been handed the Finance portfolio, making him responsible for the state’s economic planning and budget management. Another senior minister, K. G. Arunraj, will oversee Health and Family Welfare.
N. Anand has been assigned Rural Development and Water Resources, while Aadhav Arjuna will handle Public Works, Sports, and Development portfolios.
In further allocations, P. Venkataramanan has been given charge of Food and Civil Supplies, while R. Nirmalkumar will oversee Energy and Law departments.
Rajmohan has been appointed School Education Minister, whereas T. K. Prabhu and S. Keerthana will manage Natural Resources and Industries respectively.
The announcement follows a high-profile swearing-in ceremony held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, which witnessed massive public participation and the presence of several national leaders, including Congress MP Rahul Gandhi.
Vijay was sworn in after a brief period of political uncertainty following the hung verdict in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. His party secured 108 seats, emerging as the single largest force but falling short of the majority mark of 118.
However, support from alliance partners including Congress, Left parties, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) helped him form the government.
The new administration later won a trust vote in the 234-member Assembly with 144 votes in favour and 22 against, while the opposition DMK staged a walkout. A section of AIADMK MLAs also reportedly extended support to the government.
After the trust vote victory, Vijay made a strong political statement, saying the government would function with speed and transparency.
“This government runs at horse-speed, not through horse-trading,” he said, adding that his administration would ensure equal treatment for all citizens regardless of political affiliation.
