Vijay Unveils Diverse First Cabinet Blending Experience, Youth and Political Strategy

Chennai, May 2026 : Newly sworn-in Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Sunday unveiled a nine-member Cabinet that combines political veterans, professionals, former bureaucrats, youth leaders and key organisational figures, reflecting the governing vision of the first-ever Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government in the state.

The Cabinet, announced shortly after Vijay took oath as the 13th Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, is being viewed as an attempt to strike a balance between administrative experience, political loyalty, social representation and generational change following TVK’s historic electoral victory.

One of the most senior and influential faces in the Cabinet is veteran politician K.A. Sengottaiyan, whose political career spans nearly five decades. A 10-time legislator, Sengottaiyan first entered the Assembly in 1977 during the rise of M.G. Ramachandran and later emerged as a trusted lieutenant of former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa. Over the years, he handled major portfolios including Revenue and School Education. After parting ways with the AIADMK in 2025 following differences with former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami, Sengottaiyan joined Vijay’s party and has now become one of the senior-most members of the new administration.

Another prominent inclusion is N. Anand, popularly known as “Bussy” Anand, who is regarded as one of Vijay’s closest political associates. Anand played a crucial role in building TVK’s organisational structure and election machinery across Tamil Nadu. A former MLA from Puducherry, he is credited with strengthening grassroots mobilisation for the party during the Assembly campaign.

Aadhav Arjuna, widely seen as one of the principal architects of TVK’s rapid political rise, also found a place in the Cabinet. A former basketball player and ex-President of the Basketball Federation of India, Arjuna previously had a brief stint with the VCK before emerging as one of Vijay’s most trusted strategists. His role in expanding the party’s reach and shaping its electoral narrative has been widely acknowledged.

One of the most talked-about appointments is that of 29-year-old S. Keerthana, the first woman MLA elected from Sivakasi. A former political consultant and digital campaign strategist, she previously worked with election teams linked to leaders such as M.K. Stalin, Mamata Banerjee and N. Chandrababu Naidu. Her induction is being seen as a strong signal of the new government’s focus on youth and women’s representation.

Former IRS officer and doctor K.G. Arunraj also joined the Cabinet after resigning from government service to enter politics under Vijay’s leadership. Arunraj, who served as TVK’s General Secretary for policy and propaganda, won from Tiruchengode by a comfortable margin.

Another important face is R. Nirmal Kumar, who managed the party’s IT and social media operations. A former BJP functionary, he joined TVK in 2025 and played a key role in the party’s digital campaign and post-election negotiations with Left parties.

Actor, comedian and television personality A. Rajmohan was inducted after winning from Egmore. Rajmohan had served as TVK’s propaganda secretary and was one of the party’s visible campaigners during the elections.

Senior advocate and TVK treasurer P. Venkataramanan also took oath as a Minister. Considered one of the prominent intellectual faces of the party, he had earlier administered the party pledge during TVK’s maiden state conference in 2024.

The Cabinet line-up was completed by dentist-turned-politician K.T. Prabhu, who gained prominence after defeating Seeman in Karaikudi.

Political observers believe Vijay’s first Cabinet reflects an effort to project inclusivity, administrative competence and political renewal as the actor-turned-politician begins a new chapter in Tamil Nadu politics.

Team Maverick.