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KG Arunraj: Ex-IRS officer sworn in as minister in Vijay's TVK Tamil Nadu cabinet
KG Arunraj, a former Income Tax officer who retired and joined TVK politics, was sworn in as a minister in Tamil Nadu's newly formed TVK government led by Chief Minister Vijay. He previously served as TVK general secretary for propaganda and policy since June 2025 and won the Tiruchengodu seat by 28,712 votes as the party secured a majority of 108 seats in the 2026 elections. The oath ceremony took place on May 10, 2026, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium with Governor RN Ravi administering the oath and several notable figures in attendance.
Why It Matters
The appointment marks the entry of a former bureaucrat into active politics and highlights the early formation dynamics of TVK's government in Tamil Nadu after a significant electoral shift.
Timeline
5 Events
Oath ceremony: Vijay sworn in as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister; KG Arunraj among ministers
May 10, 2026
Chief Minister Vijay was sworn in as Tamil Nadu's 13th chief minister by Governor RN Ravi at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. KG Arunraj was among the ministers who took oath, along with eight other TVK leaders: N Anand, Aadhav Arjuna, KA Sengottaiyan, P Venkataramanan, R Nirmalkumar, Rajmohan, TK Prabhu and S Keerthana. The ceremony was attended by Rahul Gandhi, Vijay’s parents, Trisha Krishnan and other prominent figures.
TVK government formation with external backing from allies
May 2026
The TVK formed the government with backing from Congress (5 seats), CPI(M) (2), CPI (2), VCK (2) and IUML (2). After both VCK and IUML extended full backing, Vijay met the Governor again and was invited to form the government.
KG Arunraj wins Tiruchengodu constituency by 28,712 votes
May 2026
KG Arunraj secured a decisive victory from the Tiruchengodu constituency, winning by a margin of 28,712 votes.
TVK secures 108 seats in 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections
May 2026
In the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, TVK secured 108 of 234 seats, delivering a decisive mandate and ending the long-standing dominance of the Dravidian majors.
KG Arunraj appointed TVK general secretary for propaganda and policy
June 2025
KG Arunraj, a doctor-turned-civil servant who served in the Income Tax Department across Tamil Nadu, Bihar and Maharashtra, took voluntary retirement and joined active politics. In June 2025, TVK president Vijay appointed him as the party's general secretary for propaganda and policy.