In Tamil Nadu, the Joseph Vijay-led Government expanded its ministry today, paving the way for a coalition Cabinet in the State. Twenty-three new ministers, including two members from the Congress party, were inducted into the Cabinet.

With the latest expansion, the Cabinet strength has risen to 32, including Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. The Congress has now returned to the State Cabinet after nearly six decades, with the national party being represented in the Tamil Nadu ministry for the first time since 1967.

The newly expanded Cabinet also includes four women ministers. Governor Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office and secrecy to the new ministers at a ceremony held at Lok Bhavan this morning. Leaders of alliance parties supporting the Government were present on the occasion.

The ten-day-old Government led by Chief Minister Joseph Vijay has been supported by the Congress, VCK,CPI, CPM, IUML and a part of the AIADMK MLAs. Earlier today, the newly inducted Congress Ministers, accompanied by senior Congress leaders of the State, visited the Rajiv Gandhi Memorial at Sriperumbudur to pay their respects on his memorial day today.

The AIADMK faction supporting the Government was not present at the Cabinet expansion event today at Lok Bhavan. Joy/Chennai.