IUML MLA AM Shahjahan and VCK legislator Vanni Arasu were sworn in as ministers in the Tamil Nadu government on Friday at a ceremony held at Lok Bhavan in Chennai. Shahjahan represents Papanasam Assembly constituency, while Vani Arasu is the MLA from Tindivanam.
Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlikar administered oath to two MLAs as Cabinet Minister during the swearing-in ceremony held at Lok Bhavan in Chennai at 9:30 am.
The appointment of the IUML and VCK legislators comes at a time when the Tamil Nadu government continues to expand the government of Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay. This brings the strength of the government to 35 ministers.
Tamil Nadu Cabinet Expansion
Just a day ago, the Prime Minister undertook a massive cabinet reshuffle and portfolio allocation exercise, bringing in several Tamil Vitri Kazhagam (TVK) MLAs to key departments. Two Congress MLAs – S Rajesh Kumar and P Viswanathan – were also sworn in as ministers.
TVK’s B Rajkumar has been given charge of the Housing and Urban Development portfolio, while Vijay Tamilan Parthiban A has taken over as Transport Minister.
R V Ranjithkumar was given the Forest Ministry, V Sampath Kumar was given the Backward Classes Welfare portfolio, and V Gandhiraj was made the Cooperation Minister.
Senior TVK leader and former Tamil Nadu Minister K A Sengottaiyan has been allotted the revenue department. His responsibilities include revenue administration, district revenue generation, deputy collectors, disaster management, bodhan, gramadhan and legislative council affairs.
Meanwhile, TVK MLA N Marie Wilson, who represents Dr Radhakrishnan Nagar, has been appointed to the finance portfolio.
The Artificial Intelligence section is among the major changes
After the formation of the new TVK-led government, ministerial portfolios were allocated to 23 ministers. It also became the second state in the country after Kerala to set up a dedicated AI department at the Cabinet level.
CM Vijay held several important portfolios, including Home Affairs, Police, Municipal Administration, Urban Supply and Water. He also took responsibility for private initiatives and alleviating poverty and rural indebtedness.
In another important change, the women’s welfare portfolio has been transferred from the Prime Minister’s Office to K. Jejadeshwari, who has now been appointed Minister of Social Welfare and Women Empowerment.
