Congress joins Tamil Nadu cabinet after 59 years; two MLAs to be sworn in today

Congress MLAs S Rajesh Kumar and P Vishwanathan to take oath at 10 am; VCK, IUML to give outside support

The Congress will formally return to a Tamil Nadu state government after a gap of 59 years when two of its MLAs are inducted into Chief Minister Vijay's cabinet in Chennai on Thursday morning, party and state sources said.

Oath ceremony scheduled

The swearing-in for S Rajesh Kumar (Killiyoor) and P Vishwanathan (Melur) is scheduled at 10 am at the state secretariat, officials confirmed. A total of 23 ministers — 21 from Vijay’s Party (TVK) and the two Congress nominees — will take the oath, according to sources briefed on the arrangements.

Historic moment, say leaders

Congress Committee General Secretary K.C. Venugopal described the move as a “historic moment” for the party, noting that Congress-led administrations last governed the state, then Madras State, between 1952 and 1967. “This is the first time in nearly six decades that Congress members will be part of the Tamil Nadu executive,” a party statement said.

Why now: post-election arithmetic

The development follows the assembly election results on May 4, after which the Congress exited the DMK-led alliance and declared support for Vijay’s government. The Congress won five seats in the assembly and had pressed for a share in power during coalition talks. Party insiders said the two ministries were part of a negotiated arrangement to formalize support and give the Congress a role in governance without upsetting the core TVK line-up.

Possible wider support

Sources indicated that the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) will extend outside support to the Vijay government. Party leaders have not confirmed cabinet berths for those parties, but state-level TVK leaders said discussions are ongoing and that inclusion remains a possibility. “We are holding talks on the final shape of the supporting grouping,” one senior TVK official said on condition of anonymity.

Who the inductees are

S Rajesh Kumar, elected from Killiyoor in Kanyakumari district, and P Vishwanathan, representing Melur in Madurai district, bring regional reach to the coalition. Both are first-time ministers, according to local party sources. Their exact portfolios were not disclosed publicly as of late Wednesday; officials said assignments would be announced after the oaths.

Reactions and political context

On the ground in Chennai and in parts of southern Tamil Nadu, the announcement drew mixed reactions. Congress workers in several districts celebrated the return to executive power, while opposition cadres — particularly in the AIADMK — cautioned against what they called “unstable alliances.” The DMK, which remains the principal rival to the new government’s coalition, has so far issued guarded remarks over the realignment.

A brief history

The Congress governed the state under leaders such as C. Rajagopalachari, K. Kamaraj and M. Bhaktavatsalam until 1967, when the Dravidian movement’s DMK swept to power. Since then, Congress has periodically allied with Tamil Nadu regional parties but has rarely been part of the state cabinet. The latest arrangement marks a notable shift in state political dynamics, analysts said.

Practical implications

For Vijay's nascent government — sworn in on May 10, with the chief minister and nine other ministers already taking oaths — the inclusion of Congress members strengthens legislative support and broadens the coalition’s social and geographic footprint. It also offers the Congress a platform to push local priorities through ministerial responsibilities.

What to expect next

Officials said the immediate focus will be on finalizing portfolios and stabilizing the coalition ahead of the upcoming budget and administrative briefings. Party sources also said talks about other possible inclusions, including VCK and IUML members, could continue in the coming days. Observers expect the new ministers to begin formal duties within 24–48 hours after their swearing-in.

Local reporters will be present at the secretariat for the ceremony, and briefings from the chief minister’s office and the Congress state unit are expected to follow.