Chennai: Actor-turned-politician Vijay is set to lead Tamil Nadu’s first coalition government in decades, with his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) finalising the contours of a power-sharing arrangement with supporting parties even as he is expected to meet Governor R N Ravi for the third time on Friday to stake claim to form the government.

The move comes after TVK secured the support of smaller parties, including the Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), helping the alliance cross the majority mark in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly.

Vijay likely to retain Home, Finance portfolios

According to party sources, Vijay, who is expected to become Chief Minister, is likely to retain the crucial Home and Finance portfolios in the new government.

Senior AIADMK leader-turned-TVK ally K A Sengottaiyan is likely to be appointed Deputy Chief Minister, while J C D Prabhakar is emerging as the frontrunner for the Speaker’s post.

Sources also indicated that TVK General Secretary Bussy Anand could be entrusted with the Municipal Administration portfolio, while strategist Aadhav Arjuna may handle the Electricity department.

The party is also said to be weighing appointments for key departments such as Transport, School Education, Higher Education and the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA), with several newly elected TVK MLAs lobbying for influential assignments.

Coalition partners to get Cabinet representation

As part of the coalition formula, TVK’s allies are also expected to receive representation in the Cabinet.

Sources said the VCK will likely get one ministerial berth, while two positions are expected to go to the Left parties, the CPI and CPM. VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan himself is likely to join the Cabinet, according to sources.

However, uncertainty remains over the role of the Indian National Congress, which has extended support to the Vijay-led formation. Discussions are still underway regarding possible ministerial allocations for Congress legislators.

‘Young, diverse and technocratic’ Cabinet expected

Political observers view the proposed Vijay Cabinet as a significant shift from Tamil Nadu’s conventional political structure, with TVK expected to push for a younger and more technocratic team.

Alongside experienced leaders such as Sengottaiyan and Prabhakar, names like CTR Nirmal Kumar, KG Arunraj and Aadhav Arjuna are being seen as representatives of a new generation within the party.

Sources also suggest the Cabinet could feature increased representation for Dalits, women and minorities as Vijay seeks to balance coalition compulsions with his promise of political change.