Many Firsts In Vijay’s New Cabinet: 7 Dalits, 2 Brahmins, 4 Women Ministers & More

Many Firsts In Vijay’s New Cabinet: 7 Dalits, 2 Brahmins, 4 Women Ministers & More Written By, Last Updated: May 21, 2026, 20:55 IST The number of Dalit ministers has risen to seven — the highest proportional representation for the community in any Tamil Nadu cabinet so far. In a politically significant move, Vijay has also included two Brahmin ministers in the cabinet — a notable departure in a state where Dravidian politics has historically been shaped by anti-Brahmin rhetoric. (Photo: X/CMOTamilNadu) The expansion of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s newly formed cabinet has marked several notable firsts in Tamil Nadu politics, showcasing a carefully balanced mix of caste representation, youth leadership, gender diversity and political messaging. By expanding the council of ministers from an initial 10-member team to a 33-member cabinet, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government has attempted to build a strong “social justice" narrative while also signalling a shift away from Tamil Nadu’s traditional Dravidian-era political framework. In his first speech as Chief Minister, Vijay declared that a new era of “real secularism and social justice" had begun in the state, underlining the ideological positioning of his administration. Record Dalit Representation One of the most striking aspects of the cabinet is the representation of Scheduled Caste communities. The number of Dalit ministers has risen to seven — the highest proportional representation for the community in any Tamil Nadu cabinet so far. After Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) MLA Vanni Arasu’s oath-taking on Friday, the number will go up to 8. Among the prominent Dalit faces inducted are party strategist Aadhav Arjuna and Dr. K. G. Arunraj, a doctor who resigned from the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) before entering politics through TVK. Rare Brahmin Representation In a politically significant move, Vijay has also included two Brahmin ministers in the cabinet — a notable departure in a state where Dravidian politics has historically been shaped by anti-Brahmin rhetoric. P. Venkataramanan, MLA from Chennai’s Mylapore constituency, has emerged as one of the key Brahmin faces in the new administration. The inclusion is being viewed as an attempt to project a broader “all-inclusive" political framework. Young Faces Dominate Cabinet The cabinet also reflects Vijay’s emphasis on youth leadership. Out of the 33 ministers, 11 are below the age of 40. Apart from veteran leader K. A. Sengottaiyan, most ministers in the cabinet have no prior ministerial experience, underlining the government’s push for a generational shift in state politics. Women’s Representation The expanded cabinet includes four women ministers, with the government highlighting grassroots leadership and youth participation among women leaders. Among them is S. Keerthana from Sivakasi, currently the youngest MLA in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. Coalition Partners In Tamil Nadu Cabinet After 59 Years The cabinet expansion also marked a major political realignment with the induction of two Congress MLAs. The move formally transforms the government into Tamil Nadu’s first coalition administration in nearly six decades and marks the Congress party’s return to the state cabinet after 59 years. TVK’s ally Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) is also likely to join the cabinet. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location: Chennai [Madras], India, India First Published: May 21, 2026, 20:02 IST News india Many Firsts In Vijay’s New Cabinet: 7 Dalits, 2 Brahmins, 4 Women Ministers & More Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...