On Wednesday, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) formally requested its allies to join its government in Tamil Nadu, which will be based on a multi-party alliance, with its Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.
Speaking to the reporters, TVK general secretary and minister in the Public Works Department Aadhav Arjuna stated that the chief minister wished all those who are interested in social justice and secular values to be a part of the government.
Arjuna had explained that he personally wanted an inclusive cabinet and the government should be “like a family” with the presence of the partners of the alliance. He acknowledged that leaders of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and the Indian National Congress had been invited to the cabinet by TVK.
The minister referred in particular to the request of TVK to VCK chief Thol for the same. Thirumavalavan to be involved in government. He also invited IUML leaders to be represented by ministers, which would give the government a greater sense of social justice and secularism.
Some of the alliance partners, such as Left parties, had decided to give the government a helping hand rather than joining the government directly, so TVK respected their choice, Arjuna added.
The development is coming after TVK was able to form a government in the Tamil Nadu state with a breakthrough performance in the polls brought about by actor-politician Vijay. The move of allies into the cabinet could bolster cohesion of the cabinet and widen the party’s political base in the state, political observers say.
Arjuna said there were on-going talks among the alliance partners, and he hoped for “good news” on the cabinet to come “soon” soon,