After 59 Years, Congress Set to Enter Tamil Nadu Cabinet as TVK-Led Government Expands Ministry

Chennai, May 2026 : In a major political development in Tamil Nadu, the Congress party is set to return to the state Cabinet after nearly six decades, with two of its MLAs scheduled to be sworn in as ministers in the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led government on Thursday.

The decision follows approval from Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge, who cleared the induction of party MLAs S. Rajesh Kumar and P. Viswanathan into the Cabinet headed by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.

The move marks a significant milestone in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, signalling both a deepening of the ruling alliance and a broader restructuring of power-sharing arrangements within the state government. Political analysts say the development reflects the TVK leadership’s strategy to strengthen coalition stability while ensuring greater representation for its supporting partners.

Announcing the decision, AICC General Secretary K. C. Venugopal described it as a “historic occasion,” noting that the Congress is entering the Tamil Nadu Cabinet after a gap of 59 years. He extended his wishes to the two legislators and expressed confidence that they would work in line with the government’s welfare-oriented agenda and address the aspirations of the people of Tamil Nadu.

The Congress currently holds five seats in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and has played a crucial role in supporting the TVK-led government following the most recent state elections. Along with alliance partners such as Left parties, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), the Congress has helped the Vijay-led administration comfortably secure a majority in the Assembly.

Observers note that the inclusion of Congress ministers goes beyond a routine Cabinet expansion. It is being seen as a carefully calibrated political move designed to reinforce alliance management, improve coordination among coalition partners, and ensure smoother governance.

The upcoming swearing-in ceremony is expected to be attended by senior political leaders and party representatives. It also marks a symbolic return of the Congress to executive power in Tamil Nadu after a prolonged absence of nearly 59 years, highlighting the evolving nature of coalition politics in the state.

With this development, the TVK-led government is expected to further consolidate its position while balancing the expectations of its alliance partners, setting the stage for a new phase in Tamil Nadu’s political dynamics.