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A historic moment unfolded in Tamil Nadu politics as a Congress leader took oath as minister in the state government after a gap of 60 years.

The Congress has become part of the Tamil Nadu government for the first time since 1967.

Oath Ceremony Witnesses Controversy

However, the occasion was not without controversy. As Congress MLA S Rajesh Kumar took oath of office, a row broke out after he invoked senior Congress leaders from the podium, drawing a swift response from Governor Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar, who was administering the oath.

The Congress legislature party leader from Killiyoor constituency is one of two Congress MLAs inducted as ministers in the Vijay-led TVK government.

Governor Intervenes During Oath

While reading the oath from the official document, Kumar suddenly hailed Congress leaders Kamaraj, Rajiv Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi after completing the formal oath.

Congress MLA Shri Rajesh Kumar takes oath as Minister in the Government of Tamil Nadu. pic.twitter.com/tLXuKlMkfo

— Congress (@INCIndia) May 21, 2026

The invocation prompted a sharp reminder from the Governor, who said, “That is not part of your oath,” while smiling. The minister-designate also smiled in response before proceeding to sign the oath document.

‘Long Live Kamaraj, Rajiv Gandhi And Rahul Gandhi’

Video footage from the ceremony showed S Rajesh Kumar saying, “long live the name of Kamaraj” (late Congress veteran from Tamil Nadu), “long live Bharat Ratna Rajiv Gandhi” (former Prime Minister), and “long live people's leader Rahul Gandhi”.

Congress Joins TVK Government

The Congress, which has five MLAs in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, has become a key component of the TVK government after the Vijay-led party fell short of a majority in the election results.

The party was the first to announce support for TVK after breaking ties with its long-standing ally DMK. Although Congress had been a DMK ally for 20 years, it was never part of DMK-led ministries in the state.

Cabinet Expansion Under Vijay-Led Government

Joseph Vijay took oath as Chief Minister along with nine ministers on May 10. On Thursday, he expanded his Cabinet with the inclusion of 21 TVK and two Congress MLAs.