The Tamil Nadu Cabinet, led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, was expanded from 10 to 33 members on Thursday (May 21, 2026) with the induction of 23 new Ministers, including two from the Congress, making it the State’s first coalition government.
The expansion comes nearly 10 days after Mr. Vijay and nine other MLAs, all from Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), were sworn in as Chief Minister and Ministers at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai on May 10.
The portfolios of the nine TVK Ministers had been announced earlier on Saturday (May 16, 2026), with Mr. Vijay retaining key departments, including Home and Police.
Tamil Nadu’s new Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay was one of Tamil cinema’s biggest stars, who had dominated Kollywood for the past nearly 30 years. He made his debut as a lead actor in his father S.A. Chandrasekhar’s Naalaya Theerpu in 1992, after appearing as a child actor in Vetri in 1984. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he has acted in 68 films in lead roles, becoming the highest-paid actor in Tamil cinema. His 69th film Jana Nayagan is yet to be released.
Tamil Nadu swearing-in ceremony LIVE updates
Mr. Vijay, who has been elected from Perambur and Tiruchi East, has entered the Assembly for the first time. In February 2024, he had transformed his fan association-cum-social service organisation – Vijay Makkal Iyakkam – into the political party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. The 51-year-old actor-politician had discontinued his Bachelor of Science course at Loyola College, Chennai, in 1992 to pursue a film career. Apart from acting, he serves as the correspondent of Vijay Vidyashram and managing director and trustee of several trusts.
Mr. Vijay’s portfolios include Public, General Administration, Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service, Indian Forest Service, District Revenue Officers, Police, Home, Special Programme Implementation, Special Initiatives, Poverty Alleviation and Rural Indebtedness, Youth Welfare, Welfare of Children, Aged, Differently Abled Persons, Municipal Administration, Urban and Water Supply.
Also Read | Meet the new Ministers in Tamil Nadu CM Vijay’s expanded Cabinet
Here’s the complete profile of the council of ministers of Tamil Nadu and their respective portfolios.
N. Anand, known as ‘Bussy’ N. Anand, is the general secretary of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam and is the second-in-command after party president C. Joseph Vijay. Before taking up a key political role in TVK, he headed Mr. Vijay’s fan club and social service organisation – Vijay Makkal Iyakkam.
Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar greets ‘Bussy’ N. Anand at the swearing-in ceremony in Chennai on May 10, 2026 | Photo Credit: B. Jothi Ramalingam
Mr. Anand, who has been elected from the T. Nagar Assembly constituency in Chennai, holds the distinction of being elected to legislative bodies in two different States/Union Territories. He was first elected to the Puducherry Legislative Assembly in 2006 from the Bussy constituency, from which he earned his popular sobriquet. He was elected as the nominee of Puducherry Munntra Congress.
A native of Puducherry, the 62-year-old leader studied up to Class IX in the Union Territory before entering public life. Over the years, he emerged as the closest associates of Mr. Vijay played a key organisational role candidate selection in TVK.
Designated as Minister for Rural Development and Water Resources, he’s in charge of Rural Development, Panchayats and Panchayat Union, Irrigation, Irrigation Projects including Small Irrigation.
K.A. Sengottaiyan, one of the senior-most legislators in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, is the chief coordinator of the high-level committee of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. A 10-time MLA, Mr. Sengottaiyan was first elected to the Assembly from Sathyamangalam in 1977 as the AIADMK candidate.
K.A. Sengottaiyan being sworn-in as a Miniser in Tamil Nadu Cabinet by Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at Chennai on May 10, 2026 | Photo Credit: B. Jothi Ramalingam
Barring the elections in 1996 and 2001, the 78-year-old leader won consecutively from the Gobichettipalayam Assembly constituency in Erode district from 1980 onwards. This is the first time he has been elected as a TVK candidate. A prominent AIADMK leader for decades, he also served as the campaign manager of former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa and was part of her first Cabinet between 1991 and 1996. In 2011, he briefly served again in Ms. Jayalalithaa’s Cabinet before being dropped, and later became the School Education Minister in the Edappadi K. Palaniswami-led government in 2017.
Before joining TVK in November 2025, Mr. Sengottaiyan had made efforts to reunite the AIADMK, though the attempts did not succeed.
On May 16, 2026, Mr. Sengottaiyan was assigned the Finance portfolio. However, on May 21, 2026, his portfolio was revised to Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management, and he now handles Revenue, District Revenue Establishment, Deputy Collectors, Disaster Management, Bhoodan, Gramdan, and the Legislative Assembly.
Aadhav Arjuna, elected from the Villivakkam Assembly constituency in Chennai, is entering the Assembly for the first time. A sports administrator and political consultant, he serves as the general secretary (election campaign management) of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Aadhav Arjuna takes oath as Tamil Nadu Minister at Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, in Chennai on May 10, 2026 | Photo Credit: ANI
Before joining TVK in January 2025, the 43-year-old leader played a key role as a political consultant for the DMK. He later joined the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi led by Thol. Thirumavalavan and rose to become the party’s deputy general secretary. While in the VCK he had raised the demand for a share in power, triggering a row, leading to his suspension from the party. He then parted ways to join Mr Vijay.
Mr. Arjuna, son-in-law of lottery businessman Santiago Martin, also runs the political consulting firm Voice of Commons. Apart from politics, he has been active in sports administration and currently serves as the president of the Basketball Federation of India and the Tamil Nadu Basketball Association. He is also the general secretary of the Tamil Nadu Olympic Association. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Madras Christian College.
As the Minister for Public Works and Sports Development, he heads the Public Works (Buildings, Highways and Minor Ports), as well as Sports Development of the State.
Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administers oath of office to K.G. Arunraj in Chennai on May 10, 2026 | Photo Credit: B. Jothi Ramalingam
K.G. Arunraj, an articulate leader of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, hails from Salem and has been elected to the Tamil Nadu Assembly from the Tiruchengode constituency. A former Indian Revenue Service officer, Dr. Arunraj currently serves as the general secretary (policy and propaganda) of the TVK.
The 46-year-old leader holds an MBBS degree from Madras Medical College. Before joining the Indian Revenue Service and serving in the Income Tax Department in various capacities, Dr. Arunraj worked as a doctor at a Primary Health Centre in Krishnagiri district.
Designated as Minister for Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare, he’s in charge of Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare of the State.
C.T.R. Nirmalkumar, elected from the Thirupparankundram Assembly constituency in Madurai, is the joint general secretary of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam and one of the party’s key spokespersons. He is entering the Assembly for the first time.
Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administers oath of office to C.T.R. Nirmalkumar during the swearing-in ceremony held at Chennai on May 10, 2026 | Photo Credit: B. Jothi Ramalingam
Before joining TVK in January 2025, the 44-year-old served as the State president of the Information Technology and Social Media Wing of the Tamil Nadu BJP until March 2023. He later joined the AIADMK, where he functioned as the joint secretary of the party’s Information Technology and Social Media Wing.
Hailing from Usilampatti in Madurai district, Mr. Nirmalkumar has an academic background spanning engineering, law and social sciences. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, an LL.B. degree, and a Master’s degree in Criminology and Police Administration.
He’s the Minister for Energy Resources and Law, overseeing departments such as Electricity & Non-Conventional Energy Development, Law, Courts, Prisons and Prevention of Corruption, Governor, Elections and Passports.
A. Rajmohan, elected from the Egmore (SC) Assembly constituency in Chennai, is entering the Assembly for the first time. A popular YouTuber, he began his career in the digital space by lending his voice to social causes and gradually gained recognition through appearances on several YouTube and television channels as a show host.
Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administer oath of office to A. Rajmohan in Chennai on May 10, 2026 | Photo Credit: B. Jothi Ramalingam
The 39-year-old is widely known for his Tamil oratory skills and public speaking. Hailing from Pallavaram, Mr. Rajmohan pursued higher education in management and journalism. He holds a Diploma in Business Management from Indian Institute of Management and Technology, Chennai, and a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Madurai Kamaraj University.
He is the Minister for School Education, Tamil Development, Information and Publicity, and his portfolios include School Education, Archaeology, Tamil Official Language and Tamil Culture, Information & Publicity, Film Technology and Cinematograph Act, Newsprint Control, Stationery and Printing, Government Press.
P. Venkataramanan, elected from the Mylapore Assembly constituency in Chennai, is the treasurer of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). He is also one of the two candidates from the Brahmin community elected to the 17th Tamil Nadu Assembly.
P. Venkataramanan being sworn in by Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at Chennai on May 10, 2026 | Photo Credit: B. Jothi Ramalingam
An advocate by profession, the 48-year-old leader has an academic background in commerce, business administration and law. He holds a Master of Commerce degree from Annamalai University, a Master of Business Administration degree from Periyar University, and an LL.M. degree from Annamalai University.
He’s designated as the Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, with portfolios including Food and Civil Supplies, Consumer Protection and Price Control.
T.K. Prabhu, who hails from a family with political connections, has been elected from the Karaikudi Assembly constituency for the first time. A dentist by profession, Dr. Prabhu is also active on social media and has built a public profile through his outreach activities.
T.K. Prabhu being sworn in by Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at Chennai on May 10, 2026 | Photo Credit: B. Jothi Ramlingam
Hailing from Devakottai, the 41-year-old leader holds several qualifications in Dental Sciences, including advanced degrees and fellowships from institutions abroad.
He is the Minister for Natural Resources, heading departments of Minerals and Mines.
Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administers oath of office to S. Keerthana during the swearing-in ceremony on May 10, 2026 | Photo Credit: B. Jothi Ramalingam
One of the youngest MLAs in 17th Tamil Nadu Assembly, S. Keerthana, 29, is the first time legislator from Sivakasi in Virudhunagar district. Ms. Keerthana holds Bachelors Degree in Mathematics from Madurai Kamaraj University and Masters in Statistics from Pondicherry Central University. She is conversant in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and English.
She’s designated as the Minister for Industries, in charge of Industries, and Investment Promotion.
G. Srinath of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, who won Thoothukudi assembly constituency on Monday. Photo: Rajesh N / The Hindu | Photo Credit: Rajesh N
A long-time friend of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, A. Srinath won the Thoothukudi Assembly segment, defeating former DMK Minister P. Geetha Jeevan. The 52-year-old started his film career along with Mr. Vijay in Naalaiya Theerpu in 1992.
Mr. Srinath is Minister for Fisheries - Fishermen Welfare and is in charge of Fisheries, Fisheries Development Corporation.
Hailing from Rasipuram in Namakkal district, S. Kamali won the Avinashi Assembly segment, defeating Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan. Ms. Kamali, a homemaker, holds a Master of Arts degree in English Literature and a Bachelor of Education degree. The 28-year-old is one of the youngest Ministers in Mr. Vijay-led Cabinet. She is designated the Animal Husbandry portfolio and is the Minister for Animal Husbandry.
C. Vijayalakshmi is one of the frontline leaders of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. She was elected from the Kumarapalayam Assembly constituency in Namakkal district, defeating AIADMK strongman and former Minister P. Thangamani. Ms. Vijayalakshmi is self-employed and studied up to Class 12. She is the Minister for Milk and Dairy Development.
Elected from the Kancheepuram Assembly constituency, R.V. Ranjithkumar holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Tamil Nadu Open University. The 50-year-old is involved in farming, business, and real estate. He is part of the Tamil Nadu Cabinet as the Minister for Forests.
R. Vinoth was elected from the Kumbakonam Assembly segment in Thanjavur district. The 32-year-old is involved in trading and had discontinued his Bachelor of Engineering degree.
He is Minister for Agriculture - Farmers Welfare and will oversee the departments of Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, Agro Service Co-operatives, Horticulture, Sugar, Sugarcane Excise, Sugarcane Development and Waste Land Development.
Hailing from Ramanathapuram, 33-year-old V.K. Rajeev was elected from the Thiruvadanai Assembly constituency. He was the sole MLA of the party from Ramanathapuram district
.A doctor by profession, Mr. Rajeev completed his MBBS from Raja Muthiah Medical College, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, in 2016.
He is the Minister for Environment & Climate Change and oversees the Environment, Pollution Control Board, and Climate Change portfolios.
B. Rajkumar was elected from the Cuddalore Assembly segment. The 46-year-old is involved in real estate and business and holds a diploma in Mechanical Engineering from Muthiah Polytechnic in Chidambaram.
He is the Minister for Housing and Urban Development, with portfolios including Housing, Rural Housing, Town Planning Projects and Housing Development, Accommodation Control, CMDA, Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board, Urban Planning and Urban Development.
The 52-year-old V. Gandhiraj was elected from the Arakkonam Assembly segment, an AIADMK stronghold in recent years. Mr. Gandhiraj is a civil contractor and discontinued his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Madras. He is the Minister for Co-operation.
The 41-year-old P. Mathanraja was elected from the Ottapidaram Assembly segment in Thoothukudi district. He is into business and holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering.
He is the Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and is responsible for portfolios including Rural Industries including Cottage Industries, Small Industries.
Elected from the Rajapalayam Assembly segment in Virudhunagar district, 40-year-old K. Jegadeeshwari holds a Bachelor of Science degree.
She is the Minister for Social Welfare & Women Empowerment and is in charge of Social Welfare including Women Welfare, Orphanages and Correctional Administration and Beggar Homes and Social Reforms & Nutritious Meal Programme.
A senior leader of the Congress party, S. Rajesh Kumar was elected from the Killiyoor Assembly segment in Kanniyakumari district. He won the seat as a Congress nominee for the third consecutive term.He is the Minister for Tourism, with portfolios including Tourism and Tourism Development Corporation.
Thirty-nine-year-old M. Vijay Balaji was elected from the Erode East Assembly segment. This constituency faced two by-elections during the previous tenure. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree and is involved in business.
He is the Minister for Handlooms, Textiles and Khadi and takes care of Handlooms and Textiles, Khadi and Village Industries Board.
D. Lokesh Tamilselvan, son of AIADMK veteran and former Assembly Speaker P. Dhanapal, was elected from the Rasipuram Assembly segment in Namakkal district, defeating former DMK Minister M. Mathivendhan.
He is the Minister for Commercial Taxes and Registration, with portfolios including Commercial Taxes, Registration and Stamp Act, Debt Relief including legislation on Money lending, Chits and Registration of Companies.
The legislator from Salem South assembly constituency is the Minister for Transport and is responsible for Motor Vehicle Acts – Administration, Transport, Nationalised Transport and Motor Vehicles Act.
Elected from the Srirangam Assembly segment in Tiruchi district, 31-year-old S. Ramesh is the State coordinator of the media wing of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam and is known for being an articulate speaker. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree. He is the Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments.
Hailing from Thazhambur in Chengalpattu district, P. Viswanathan was elected from the Melur Assembly segment in Madurai district. He was the final candidate announced by the Congress party in the run-up to the 2026 Assembly election.
He is the Minister for Higher Education and his portfolios include Higher Education including Technical Education, Electronics, Science and Technology.
Elected from the Velachery Assembly segment, 60-year-old R. Kumar represents one of the most thickly populated Assembly constituencies in Chennai. Mr. Kumar is a landlord andbusinessman. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree from the University of Madras and recently completed a Business Leadership Programme at IIM Bangalore.
He is the Minister for Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology & Digital Services and is in charge of Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology and Digital Services.
K. Thennarasu was elected from the Sriperumbudur Assembly segment in Kancheepuram district. He defeated Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president K. Selvaperunthagai in the 2026 election. Mr. Thennarasu studied up to Class 10 and is involved in trading as a commission agent.
He is the Minister for Non-Resident Tamils Welfare and is responsible for Non-Resident Tamils Welfare, Refugees & evacuees.
V. Sampathkumar, 47, was elected from the Coimbatore North Assembly segment, defeating BJP Mahila Morcha national president Vanathi Srinivasan. He completed Master of Business Administration degree through distance education from Annamalai University and is involved in business.
He is the Minister for Backward Classes Welfare, with portfolios including Backward Classes Welfare, Most Backward Classes Welfare and Denotified Communities Welfare.
J. Mohamed Farvas was elected from the Aranthangi Assembly segment in Pudukkottai district. The 31-year-old is into the printing business and holds a BA LLB (Hons.) degree from a National Law School. He also served as a councillor in the Pudukkottai Corporation.
He is the Minister for Labour Welfare and Skill Development and takes care of portfolios including Labour Welfare, Population, Employment and Training, Census, Weights and Measures, Urban and Rural Employment and Bonded Labour Welfare.
Thirty-four-year-old D. Sarathkumar was elected from the Tambaram Assembly segment in Chengalpattu district. He holds a BBA degree from M.M. Jain College in Meenambakkam and works as a civil contractor.
He is the Minister for Human Resources Management and is responsible for Human Resources Management & Ex-Servicemen Welfare.
Part of a leading private educational institution in Chennai, N. Marie Wilson was elected from the Dr. Radhakrishnan Nagar Assembly segment in Chennai. The 46-year-old holds a Doctorate in Management Science from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad.
She is the Minister for Finance, Planning and Development and will take care of Finance, Pensions and Pensionary Benefits, Planning & Development. Previously the Finance portfolio was assigned to Mr.Sengottaiyan.
K. Vignesh, 38, was elected from the Kinathukadavu Assembly segment in Coimbatore district, a traditional stronghold of the AIADMK. Mr. Vignesh is involved in business and holds a Bachelor of Computer Science degree from a private college. He Minister for Prohibition and Excise.
Published - May 10, 2026 10:53 am IST
Tamil Nadu / Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026 / Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam
Source: The Hindu - India News
