VCK to Deliberate on Joining Vijay Cabinet as TVK Renews Invitation

Chennai, May 2026 : The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) on Wednesday signalled that it may reconsider its earlier stand of extending only outside support to the C. Joseph Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government, following renewed indications from the ruling party that it is keen to bring the VCK into the Cabinet.

VCK President Thol Thirumavalavan said the party leadership would hold detailed internal consultations before taking a final decision on whether to join the government. His remarks have intensified speculation that the VCK could soon secure ministerial representation in the Vijay-led administration.

The VCK had initially maintained that its support to the TVK government was unconditional and aimed solely at ensuring political stability during the government formation process. Party leaders had also stated earlier that the support was intended to prevent any possible intervention by the BJP-led Union government at a politically sensitive stage.

Speaking to reporters, Thirumavalavan revealed that the TVK leadership had assured him that rebel legislators from the AIADMK would not be inducted into the Cabinet. The clarification is being viewed as politically significant because the VCK chief had previously warned that accommodating AIADMK dissidents in the ministry could force his party to reconsider its support to the government.

The VCK leader also thanked Minister Aadhav Arjuna for publicly reiterating the TVK’s interest in bringing the VCK into the government structure. According to Thirumavalavan, the ruling party has repeatedly conveyed its desire for closer political coordination with the VCK.

Recalling earlier political interactions, Thirumavalavan said TVK President C. Joseph Vijay had openly invited the VCK to join hands politically during the launch of the book “Ellorukkumana Thalaivar Ambedkar”. He said the VCK had viewed Vijay’s remarks at the time as a meaningful political signal, although electoral circumstances prevented the party from formally becoming part of the alliance during the polls.

Sources within the VCK said the party had already held a virtual high-level committee meeting on May 8, where a majority of senior leaders reportedly expressed support for participating in the government. The possibility of power-sharing has long been considered an important political objective for the party.

Thirumavalavan clarified that the VCK had never demanded ministerial berths as a condition for extending support to the government. “We offered unconditional support despite winning only two seats because we wanted to ensure the formation and stability of the government,” he said.

At the same time, he underlined that participation in governance remains part of the VCK’s broader political vision and social justice agenda. He said the party would now consult its general secretaries, treasurer, principal secretary and other senior office-bearers before arriving at a final decision on joining the Cabinet.

The latest developments come amid growing expectations of an imminent Cabinet expansion by the TVK government, with alliance management and political balancing emerging as key priorities for the ruling establishment.