May 17, 2026 12:44 pm (IST)
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Vijay has retained key portfolios including home, police & general administration among others. Photo: Official Facebook.

Tamil Nadu CM Vijay keeps home, police, welfare in tight grip as TVK unveils first cabinet

| @indiablooms | May 17, 2026, at 11:28 am

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Friday announced the portfolios for his maiden cabinet, retaining powerful departments including home, police, general administration, women’s welfare, and youth welfare in a move widely viewed as a strong political message to the constituencies that fuelled Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s rise to power.

Apart from home and police, Vijay will also directly oversee municipal administration, urban development, water supply, and welfare departments concerning women, children, senior citizens and differently abled persons, signalling his intent to maintain direct control over governance and welfare delivery.

Sengottaiyan gets finance, youngest minister makes history

In one of the biggest surprises, expelled KA Sengottaiyan was entrusted with the crucial Finance portfolio along with pensions.

Senior TVK leader N Anand emerged as the government’s number two with Rural Development and Water Resources.

Meanwhile, Selvi S Keerthana became Tamil Nadu’s first woman Industries Minister, handling Industries and Investment Promotion.

Aadhav Arjuna received Public Works and Sports Development, while former IRS officer Dr KG Arunraj was assigned Health and Family Welfare.

Cabinet expansion buzz grows as key ministries remain vacant

Several heavyweight portfolios — including Transport, Agriculture, IT, Tourism, Housing and HR&CE — are yet to be allocated, fuelling speculation that Vijay could soon expand his cabinet to accommodate allies.

The TVK government came to power after winning 108 seats, falling short of a majority but securing outside support from alliance partners and rebel AIADMK legislators.

Notably, 24 rebel MLAs from All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam backed Vijay during the Assembly trust vote, underscoring the growing turmoil within the opposition party.

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