Congress Returns to Tamil Nadu Cabinet After 59 Years as Joseph Vijay Expands Ministry

May 21, 2026 : In a major political development in Tamil Nadu, the Government led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Thursday expanded its ministry, formally paving the way for a coalition Cabinet in the State. Twenty-three new ministers were inducted into the Cabinet, including two representatives from the Congress party.

With the latest expansion, the strength of the Tamil Nadu Cabinet has increased to 32, including the Chief Minister. The Congress has now returned to the State Cabinet after nearly six decades, marking the party’s first representation in the Tamil Nadu ministry since 1967.

The expanded Cabinet also includes four women ministers. Governor Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office and secrecy to the newly inducted ministers at a ceremony held at Lok Bhavan in Chennai. Leaders of alliance parties supporting the Government attended the event.

The ten-day-old Government headed by Joseph Vijay is backed by the Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), CPI, CPM, IUML and a section of AIADMK MLAs.

Earlier in the day, the newly inducted Congress ministers, along with senior State Congress leaders, visited the Rajiv Gandhi Memorial at Rajiv Gandhi Memorial to pay tribute to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his memorial day.

Notably, the AIADMK faction supporting the Government did not attend the Cabinet expansion ceremony held at Lok Bhavan.