Published May 22, 2026 | 10:00 AM ⚊ Updated May 22, 2026 | 10:53 AM
VCK Vanni Arasu and IUML MLA AM Shahjahan took oath as ministers.
Synopsis: Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi MLA Vanni Arasu and Indian Union Muslim League MLA AM Shahjahan took oath as ministers of the Tamil Nadu Cabinet. According to sources, Shahjahan is likely to be allotted the Minorities Welfare portfolio, while Vanni Aarasu may be given charge of the Adi Dravidar Welfare Department.
Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) MLA Vanni Arasu and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) MLA AM Shahjahan took oath as ministers of the Tamil Nadu Cabinet on Friday, 22 May.
Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office to the ministers in the presence of Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, other ministers and legislators.
With this, the total number of ministers in the new Tamil Nadu Cabinet has become 25.
According to sources, Shahjahan is likely to be allotted the Minorities Welfare portfolio, while Vanni Aarasu may be given charge of the Adi Dravidar Welfare Department.
Also Read: VCK to join Vijay government in Tamil Nadu, says Thirumavalavan
With the induction of Vanni Arasu into the Cabinet, the number of Dalit ministers in the Tamil Nadu government has risen to eight.
Vanni Arasu represents the Tindivanam constituency in the state Assembly, while Shahjahan represents Papanasam.
Earlier, Killiyoor MLA Rajesh Kumar S and Melur MLA of the Congress had become part of the Tamil Nadu government. Out of the 25 ministers, 21 are from Vijay’s TVK.
On Thursday, VCK president Thol. Thirumavalavan announced that his party has decided to become part of the Tamil Nadu government led by C Joseph Vijay.
Addressing reporters, Thirumavalavan said the decision was taken after consultations with the party’s general secretary and other senior office-bearers. He stated that a majority of party functionaries favoured joining the government.
Thirumavalavan said more than 30 party functionaries participated in an online meeting held on 8 May. Most members supported VCK joining the government. He added that party members had repeatedly insisted that VCK should be represented in the ministry.
Referring to the recent public appeal from Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam for both VCK and the Indian Union Muslim League to join the government, Thirumavalavan said the invitation prompted the party to reconsider its earlier stand of extending outside support.
