Tamil Nadu Today: In a first, VCK and IUML part of State government

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VCK MLA Vanni Arasu and IUML legislator A.M. Shahjahan after being sworn in as Ministers by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, in the presence of CM C. Joseph Vijay, at Lok Bhavan, Chennai on May 22, 2026 | Photo Credit: X/@lokbhavan_tn

Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay concluded his Cabinet formation with the induction of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) MLA Vanni Arasu (Tindivanam) and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) MLA A.M. Shahjahan (Papanasam). Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office and secrecy at Lok Bhavan in Chennai.

A Lok Bhavan media release stated Mr. Shahjahan will be the Minister for Minorities Welfare, while Mr. Vanni Arasu will be handling the Adi Dravidar Welfare and Hill Tribes portfolio, and will be known as Minister for Social Justice.

With this, the size of the Council of Ministers has risen to the sanctioned strength of 35 in the 234-member House. This is the first time the VCK and the IUML have been made part of the government.

DMK president and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin extended his greetings to VCK MLA Vanni Arasu and IUML MLA A.M. Shahjahan on becoming Ministers in the Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay-led Cabinet.

He also said every party has the right to decide its own political course. He urged members of the DMK not to use any harsh words in a manner that would hurt the sentiments of any party.

Mr. Stalin’s remarks came against the backdrop of some DMK leaders criticising the entry of the VCK and the IUML, both of which contested as part of the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, into the TVK-led Cabinet.

Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK) general secretary P. Abdul Samad said the party will only contest on its own symbol in future elections in Tamil Nadu.

The decision was part of resolutions passed by the party’s high-level committee. The MMK was allotted two seats by the DMK – Manapparai and Nagappatinam – and it contested both on the DMK’s ‘Rising Sun’ symbol. This prevented the party from