Nine ministers were inducted into the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief C Joseph Vijay led cabinet as he was formally sworn in as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu by governor Rajendra Arlekar on Sunday.
The Lok Bhavan on Sunday released the list of nine candidates who hail from diverse backgrounds with a mixture of political blend.
The candidates are N Anand, Aadhav Arjuna, KG Arunraj MBBS, K A Sengottaiyan, R Nirmalkumar, A Rajmohan, TK Prabhu, S Keerthana, and P Venkataramanan.
The ministerial portfolios were not allocated on Sunday.
N Anand
TL;DR: The 61 year old Anand is dubbed as ‘Vijay’s long-time close aide and also a former legislator from the neighbouring ‘Puducherry’ in Bussy constituency.
The 61 year old Anand is dubbed as ‘Vijay’s long-time close aide and also a former legislator from the neighbouring ‘Puducherry’ in Bussy constituency.
He won under the Puducherry Munnetra Congress, a party founded by Puducherry’s former speaker P Kannan. He was also the president of Vijay Fans Club in Puducherry.
Aadhav Arjuna
TL;DR: A former basketball player, he is TVK’s election strategist and is credited for party’s logistical success.
A former basketball player, he is TVK’s election strategist and is credited for party’s logistical success.
He emerged victorious from the Villivakkam constituency, and is the former deputy general secretary of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK). He joined TVK in January 2025.
In December 2024, Arjuna penned a book ‘Ellorukkumaana Thalaivar Ambedkar (Ambedkar: A leader for all), which was released by Vijay.
KG Arunraj
TL;DR: Hailing from Thiruchengode, Arunraj is the party’s general secretary of propaganda and policy.
Hailing from Thiruchengode, Arunraj is the party’s general secretary of propaganda and policy. Before politics, he was recognised for his medical background and outreach work. He is also an assistant professor at Kilpauk medical college.
K A Sengottaiyan
TL;DR: The 78-year-old seasoned politician and ten-time MLA from Gobichettipalayam, Sengottaiyan is the senior most member in the party.
The 78-year-old seasoned politician and ten-time MLA from Gobichettipalayam, Sengottaiyan is the senior most member in the party.
He was expelled from the AIADMK and now he is the chief coordinator of TVK. He was a close confidante of the late AIADMK chief J Jayalalithaa. His presence in TVK is expected to add significant boost to TVK’s offering.
R Nirmal Kumar
TL;DR: Hailing from Thiruparankundram assembly, 44-year-old Kumar has a master's in criminology and police administration and served digital wing in both AIADMK and the BJP.
Hailing from Thiruparankundram assembly, 44-year-old Kumar has a master's in criminology and police administration and served digital wing in both AIADMK and the BJP. He is known for his aggressive digital campaigning and communication skills.
His role in the party strengthened its digital footprint, including its social media presence, allowing TVK to reach out to larger audience surpassing the performance of established political parties.
Rajmohan Arumugam
TL;DR: Thirty-nine-year-old Rajmohan, a public speaker, emerged victorious in Egmore SC assembly in the April 23 polls.
Thirty-nine-year-old Rajmohan, a public speaker, emerged victorious in Egmore SC assembly in the April 23 polls.
He is a popular media personality and speaker known as ‘VJ’ or ‘Pro’ and appeals to the urban youth. He provided the cultural translation necessary to engage the Gen-Z voters.
He is known for his popular programme ‘Put Chutney’, and is the propaganda secretary of TVK.
TK Prabhu
TL;DR: Forty-one-year-old TK Prabhu, a dentist by profession, emerged victorious from Karaikudi assembly and comes from a farmers’ family.
Forty-one-year-old TK Prabhu, a dentist by profession, emerged victorious from Karaikudi assembly and comes from a farmers’ family.
He has been active in social welfare through his medical profession and outreach programme of TVK. He received several international certifications on dental implantology from the Germany, Philippines and Korea.
He is party’s Sivagana east district secretary.
S Keerthana
TL;DR: Keerthana did her graduation in Mathematics and post graduation in Statistics from Central University, Puducherry.
Keerthana did her graduation in Mathematics and post graduation in Statistics from Central University, Puducherry.
Her recent interaction in Hindi language while seeking votes garnered attention as speaking Hindi is a politically sensitive in the state. She said that language is important for a wider audience and recognition.
P Venkataramanan
TL;DR: He is a key Brahmin face and emerged victorious in the Mylapore assembly, a Brahmin-influenced constituency.
He is a key Brahmin face and emerged victorious in the Mylapore assembly, a Brahmin-influenced constituency.
Curated by Aisha Patel
