Tamil Nadu cabinet reshuffle likely as Assembly session ends

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay is expected to reshuffle his Cabinet following an assessment that reportedly found the performance of some ministers unsatisfactory.

The exercise could begin soon after the month-long session of the Assembly concludes on Tuesday.

The Vijay-led government assumed office four months ago after the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam emerged victorious in its first Assembly election and formed a coalition administration.

Polling for the 17th Tamil Nadu Assembly was held on April 23, while counting began on May 4.

The 35-member Council of Ministers includes representatives of the government’s alliance partners. The Congress was allotted two ministerial berths, while the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and the Indian Union Muslim League received one each.

Preparations for the proposed revamp are understood to have followed a review carried out by the Chief Minister’s advisers, John Arokiasamy and Vishnu Reddy. Their assessment examined how individual ministers administered their departments, conducted meetings with officials, and implemented programmes in their constituencies.

The review also considered their participation in Assembly proceedings and their dealings with legislators of the ruling party.

The advisers subsequently submitted a report to the Chief Minister, flagging shortcomings in the work of certain members of the Cabinet.

Vijay is also said to have independently reviewed the findings by consulting departmental secretaries. Their feedback reportedly reinforced concerns over the functioning of some ministries and prompted discussions on changes in the Council of Ministers.

According to indications emerging from government circles, three TVK ministers, including a woman, could be dropped from the Cabinet. The portfolio of one minister belonging to an alliance party may also be changed. Another ruling-party minister has reportedly asked to be relieved of a major department because of the workload involved. The request is likely to be considered during the redistribution of portfolios.

No official announcement has yet been made about the timing or scale of the exercise.

However, speculation has intensified as the Assembly session draws to a close, leaving several ministers uncertain about their positions. The anticipated reshuffle would be the first major restructuring of the Vijay government since it took office. It is expected to combine performance-based changes with an effort to preserve the coalition balance, while giving the administration a sharper focus for the next phase of governance over the coming months.

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