Congress Returns To Tamil Nadu Cabinet After 59 Years, Two MLAs To Take Oath In Vijay's TVK Govt

The Congress party is returning to Tamil Nadu’s cabinet for the first time in 59 years, with two of its legislators joining Chief Minister Vijay Kanakaraj’s TVK-led government. Rajesh Kumar and P Vishwanathan will take oath as ministers on Thursday, as announced by Congress general secretary KC Venugopal on Wednesday. Venugopal described the development as a ‘historic occasion,’ highlighting Congress’s rare return to state-level governance. The decision comes after Congress, which won five seats in the May 2024 Assembly elections, became one of the earliest allies to support TVK. Vijay’s party, led by actor-turned-politician Vijay Kanakaraj, fell short of a majority but secured backing from Congress and other parties to form the government. The alliance was finalized following the election results on May 4, ensuring TVK’s political viability. The inclusion of Congress ministers strengthens the coalition, reflecting shifting political dynamics in Tamil Nadu. Observers view this as a strategic move by Vijay to broaden his government’s support base amid evolving alliances. Rajesh Kumar and P Vishwanathan’s oath will formally mark Congress’s return to the cabinet after decades of exclusion. Vijay’s rise through TVK has already reshaped Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, with his party’s debut performance surprising analysts. The Congress partnership solidified his government’s stability, turning his electoral entry into a landmark political achievement. The move underscores the fluid nature of post-election coalitions in the state.