Meet the 9 TVK leaders sworn in alongside Joseph Vijay: From Sengottaiyan to Keerthana

Actor-turned-politician Joseph Vijay officially took charge as Tamil Nadu chief minister along with a nine-member cabinet in Chennai. The first ministry of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam includes senior politicians, young leaders, professionals, and key party faces who played a major role in the party’s rapid rise ahead of the elections.

Veteran leader KA Sengottaiyan was among the biggest names in the swearing-in ceremony. Having worked closely with MGR and Jayalalithaa during his AIADMK years, Sengottaiyan brings decades of administrative and political experience to the new government. He was earlier expelled from AIADMK after publicly criticising the EPS-led leadership and questioning the party’s internal decisions.

Aadhav Arjuna, considered part of Vijay’s core team, took oath after winning from Villivakkam in Chennai. He has been actively involved in the party’s strategy and organisational planning since TVK’s formation. Arjuna is also known as the son-in-law of lottery businessman Santiago Martin and is seen as one of the influential young faces within the party setup.

Nirmal Kumar, who won from Thiruparankundram in Madurai, also found a place in the cabinet. A former BJP functionary, Nirmal Kumar switched to TVK before the elections and quickly became one of the party’s key leaders in southern Tamil Nadu. His induction is expected to strengthen TVK’s reach in the region.

TVK general secretary Anand took oath after winning from Chennai’s T Nagar constituency. Known for his strong booth-level network, Anand played an important role in expanding the party organisation across districts. Party insiders credit him for helping TVK build a strong grassroots presence ahead of the assembly elections.

Television and film personality Raj Mohan was also sworn in as minister. Popular for his public speaking and television appearances, Raj Mohan is expected to become one of the prominent public faces of the new government. His entry reflects TVK’s mix of political workers and personalities from the entertainment industry.

TK Prabhu, who contested and won from Karaikudi, took oath as part of Vijay’s first cabinet. A dentist by profession, Prabhu entered active politics through TVK and emerged as one of the party’s successful candidates during the elections. His inclusion adds another professional face to the ministry.

Doctor and former IRS officer Arun Raj became a minister after winning from Tiruchengode. Arun Raj had resigned from his government service career to enter politics and join Vijay’s party. His appointment is being seen as an attempt by TVK to project educated and professional leaders in governance.

P Venkataramanan, the MLA from Chennai’s Mylapore constituency, is being seen as an important Brahmin face in the new government. His inclusion is expected to help TVK strengthen its social representation within the cabinet.

Meanwhile, S Keerthana emerged as the youngest minister in the government after her victory from Virudhunagar district, adding a youth presence to the cabinet.