Chennai, May 20 (IANS). The C. Joseph Vijay-led Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam government is preparing for its first cabinet expansion on Thursday. The move is being seen as an attempt to strike an important political balance, aimed at managing alliance expectations, regional representation and internal party equations.
According to sources, the final round of consultation regarding the list of ministers will be completed before the possible swearing-in ceremony on Thursday morning.
Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, who is currently holding additional responsibility, is expected to reach Chennai on Wednesday evening to oversee the formalities related to this expansion.
According to sources in the ruling camp, the government may also give place to its coalition partner Congress in the expanded cabinet. Two Congress MLAs have emerged as main contenders for ministerial posts.
C.V. Shanmugam and S.P. Despite speculations that members of the Velumani-led AIADMK faction would get a berth in the cabinet, sources said the ruling leadership has decided to back off from the move following strong opposition from alliance partners including the Congress, Left parties and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi.
A senior minister, on condition of anonymity, said there was never any formal discussion on the inclusion of AIADMK MLAs in the cabinet. He also clarified that his support during the trust vote in the Assembly was only political support, which was given in the House.
Sources close to the government said that legal advisors and coalition partners had advised to be cautious before taking such politically sensitive decisions. This was likely to create instability at the beginning of the government’s tenure.
Meanwhile, vigorous lobbying has reportedly begun within the TVK, with several first-time MLAs and influential party functionaries trying to get a berth in the cabinet.
This expansion is also expected to solve the problem of shortage of ministers in more than 20 key government departments, including higher education, revenue, transport and social welfare.
Several other departments like agriculture, housing and urban development, tourism, information technology, labor welfare, fisheries and environment are still without formally appointed ministers.
Sources in the secretariat said that some departments are currently working under the informal supervision of the current ministers. Even before the formal division of departments, officials are reviewing the files and holding necessary discussions.
–IANS
SHK/PM
