Tamil Nadu chief minister Vijay and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi NEW DELHI: The Congress is set to return to the Tamil Nadu cabinet after nearly 60 years, after party president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday approved the induction of MLAs Rajesh Kumar and P Vishwanathan into the cabinet led by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay.The announcement was made by Congress national general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal. He said the MLAs will take oath as ministers on Thursday.“Hon’ble INC President Mallikarjun Kharge has approved the induction of INC MLAs Adv. Rajesh Kumar and Thiru P. Vishwanathan into the Tamil Nadu cabinet, and they will be taking oath as ministers tomorrow. This is a historic occasion for us, as the Congress joins the Tamil Nadu cabinet after a long gap of 59 years!” Venugopal posted on X.“I convey my best wishes to them. We are confident that they will deliver on the hopes and aspirations of the people of Tamil Nadu and work to realise the bold vision of welfare and pro-people governance laid down by LOP Rahul Gandhi,” he added.The Congress had contested the Tamil Nadu assembly elections held on April 23 in alliance with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, which was voted out after a single term. Vijay’s TVK, launched in February 2024, emerged as the single-largest party but fell short of a majority by 10 seats in the 234-member assembly.Subsequently, the actor-turned-politician sought the Congress’ support, which he received on the condition that no “communal force” would be included in the alliance. Later, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and the Left parties also extended support to the TVK, helping it cross the majority mark.Both DMK and its arch-rival All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) had governed Tamil Nadu since 1967 before TVK’s surprise win. Neither the DMK nor the AIADMK gave their allies positions in their governments.The MK Stalin-led party accused the Congress of “backstabbing” it and called off the alliance.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Anarchic Mindset’: BJP Slams Rahul Gandhi For ‘Traitors’ Remark On PM Modi, Amit Shah’Warned India of Economic Storm, Then Flew to Italy on ₹4,000 Crore Jet’: Rahul Gandhi Slams PM ModiIndia Successfully Tests Suryastra Precision Rocket System With 300-Km Strike CapabilityThree Newly Married Women Die Within Five Days Across MP And UP, Families Allege Dowry Harassment’Economic Storm Raging, PM Busy Handing Out Candies’: Rahul Gandhi Slams Modi Over ‘Melody’ VideoPM Modi & President Trump To Cross Paths At G7 Summit In France Amid India-US Trade PushPakistani Lashkar Operative’s Hair Transplant Detour In Kashmir Exposes Sleeper Cell NetworkPakistani Military Officer Mocked Online After Claiming Strikes On Indian Airbases That Don’t ExistTwisha Sharma Case Triggers Debate After Mother-In-Law Criticises Her Even After DeathKerala Swearing-In Ceremony Triggers Political Row Over Full Rendition Of Vande Mataram123PhotostoriesHow to Boost Your Self-Confidence? Here Are Some Astrological RemediesSaffron milk skin benefits: Why the internet is obsessed with this beauty drink5 clever ways to repurpose old socksFrom ‘3 Idiots 2’ to ‘Tumbbad 2’: 5 Bollywood sequels that have fans counting down the days6 incredible animals that are found only in India, and where tourists can see them5 most amazing pink snakes found across the worldWho needs international couture? Aditi Rao Hydari shut down Cannes in a Rs 24K dressKidney damage can reach 95% before symptoms appear: Doctor recommended 8 golden rules that may help you stay safeLove quote of the day by Lao Tzu: “Being deeply loved by someone gives you…”Your Thyroid may be reacting to what’s on your plate: Doctor warns about the foods that help, harm, and confuse most people123Hot PicksSBI apprentice recruitment 2026US Iran warCBSE Class 12 re-evaluation 2026Gold price predictionAdani Group stocksNEET exam cancelledMHT CET Result 2026Top TrendingCBSE Answer SheetTwisha SharmaIPL Playoff RaceTN Results 2026Odisha 12th ResultsIPL 2026IPL Orange Cap 2026India VS Afghanistan Squad AnnouncementMHT CET Result DateJahangir Khan
NEW DELHI: The Congress is set to return to the Tamil Nadu cabinet after nearly 60 years, after party president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday approved the induction of MLAs Rajesh Kumar and P Vishwanathan into the cabinet led by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay.The announcement was made by Congress national general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal. He said the MLAs will take oath as ministers on Thursday.“Hon’ble INC President Mallikarjun Kharge has approved the induction of INC MLAs Adv. Rajesh Kumar and Thiru P. Vishwanathan into the Tamil Nadu cabinet, and they will be taking oath as ministers tomorrow. This is a historic occasion for us, as the Congress joins the Tamil Nadu cabinet after a long gap of 59 years!” Venugopal posted on X.“I convey my best wishes to them. We are confident that they will deliver on the hopes and aspirations of the people of Tamil Nadu and work to realise the bold vision of welfare and pro-people governance laid down by LOP Rahul Gandhi,” he added.The Congress had contested the Tamil Nadu assembly elections held on April 23 in alliance with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, which was voted out after a single term. Vijay’s TVK, launched in February 2024, emerged as the single-largest party but fell short of a majority by 10 seats in the 234-member assembly.Subsequently, the actor-turned-politician sought the Congress’ support, which he received on the condition that no “communal force” would be included in the alliance. Later, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and the Left parties also extended support to the TVK, helping it cross the majority mark.Both DMK and its arch-rival All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) had governed Tamil Nadu since 1967 before TVK’s surprise win. Neither the DMK nor the AIADMK gave their allies positions in their governments.The MK Stalin-led party accused the Congress of “backstabbing” it and called off the alliance.