S. Keerthana Becomes the Youngest Minister in Tamil Nadu Cabinet Led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay
Chennai, May 10, 2026: In a landmark moment for Tamil Nadu politics, 29-year-old S. Keerthana was sworn in today as the youngest minister in the newly formed cabinet of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. The swearing-in ceremony took place at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai, marking the formal assumption of power by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led government.
Keerthana, a first-time MLA from Sivakasi in Virudhunagar district, emerged victorious on a TVK ticket in the recently concluded Assembly elections. She defeated her nearest rival by a margin of approximately 11,697 votes, becoming the first woman MLA from the constituency. Her elevation to the cabinet underscores the party’s emphasis on youth, education, and fresh leadership in state governance.
Background and Profile
Born in 1996, Keerthana holds a postgraduate degree and is known for her multilingual skills, including fluency in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and English. Prior to entering active politics, she worked as a political strategist and has an acting background. Her appointment makes her not only the youngest minister but also the sole woman in the first batch of nine ministers inducted into the Vijay cabinet.
The other ministers sworn in alongside her include prominent TVK leaders such as N. Anand, Aadhav Arjuna, KA Sengottaiyan, P. Venkataramanan, R. Nirmalkumar, Rajmohan, TK Prabhu, and KG Arunraj. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oaths of office and secrecy to Chief Minister Vijay and his council of ministers.
A New Chapter in Tamil Nadu Politics
Keerthana expressed strong optimism about the new government, stating that it would set a benchmark in governance and deliver meaningful change for the people of Tamil Nadu. “Change is here,” she remarked, adding that the Vijay-led administration is expected to serve for 35 to 50 years.
This cabinet formation follows TVK’s impressive performance in the elections, where the party, founded by actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay, disrupted the traditional Dravidian political dominance. With support from allies including the Congress, TVK has formed the government, projecting a younger and more dynamic face of leadership.
Portfolios for the ministers, including Keerthana, are expected to be allocated soon. Her induction signals a shift towards inclusive and youthful representation in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.
As the state embarks on this new political journey, all eyes are on how this young team will address key issues such as development, welfare, and good governance under Chief Minister Vijay’s leadership.
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