After the swearing-in of newly inducted ministers in the Tamil Nadu government today, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar approved the distribution of portfolios on the advice of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. According to an official statement from Tamil Nadu Lok Bhavan, the ministers have been assigned key welfare departments in the newly formed TVK coalition government.

IUML leader A. M. Shahjahan, MLA from the Papanasam constituency, has been appointed Minister for Minorities Welfare and will also handle the Wakf Board portfolio. VCK leader Vanni Arasu, MLA from Tindivanam, has been given charge of the Social Justice department, including Adi Dravidar Welfare and Tribal Welfare. For the first time in Tamil Nadu’s political history, both IUML and VCK have entered the state cabinet with ministerial representation, marking a notable step in coalition and representation politics.

Arasu and Shahjahan took oath as ministers earlier today at a ceremony held at Lok Bhavan in Chennai, administered by Governor Arlekar, in the presence of senior officials and political leaders. Their induction followed Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s recommendation and was approved by the Governor as part of a cabinet expansion move.

The event also sparked criticism after journalists were barred from attending the swearing-in ceremony, with only an official live-stream being made available. The decision drew backlash online, with many pointing out the contrast between the emphasis on democratic representation and the restriction of press access at the event.