Governor Rajendra Arlekar reacts after Congress MLA praises Rahul Gandhi during oath

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay expanded his cabinet today by inducting 23 more ministers. Among the newly sworn-in ministers, 21 are from the TVK party, while two others are from alliance partner Congress. With this, the Congress party has become part of the Tamil Nadu government again after nearly six decades. Congress leaders S. Rajesh Kumar and P. Viswanathan took oath as ministers.

During the swearing-in ceremony, Rajesh Kumar drew attention by mentioning the names of Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi. After reading the official oath, he raised slogans praising Congress leaders K. Kamaraj, Rajiv Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi.

He said: “Long live Kamaraj. Long live Bharat Ratna Rajiv Gandhi. Long live people’s leader Rahul Gandhi.”

The Governor then jokingly intervened and asked Rajesh Kumar whether those lines were part of the official oath. Rajesh Kumar responded with a smile before signing the oath documents.

Congress MLA Rajesh Kumar and P Vishwanathan took oath as a minister in the cabinet of CM Vijay. Tamilnadu got Congress ministers after 59 years. Rahul Gandhi 🤝 Vijay 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Van5yIS7pE

— Venisha G Kiba (@KibaVenisha) May 21, 2026

This marks the return of Congress to the Tamil Nadu cabinet after 59 years. Rajesh Kumar has been given the Tourism portfolio, while Viswanathan will handle Higher Education. The Indian Union Muslim League has also joined the cabinet. Accepting TVK’s invitation, Papanasam MLA A. M. Shahjahan will become a minister.