TN minister Arunraj says Dravidian parties trapped in cash-for-votes cycle

Edited excerpts from an interview with The Hindu, cited in the article, quote Arunraj criticizing DMK and AIADMK for losing their initial idealism and becoming trapped in a 'vicious cycle' of cash-for-votes and corruption. He argued TVK’s ideology of secular social justice would guide policy and pledged to cut corruption while expanding welfare measures and revenue generation. The piece also notes TVK’s stance on governance under a coalition government.

In remarks accompanying the appointment, Arunraj said Tamil Nadu is witnessing a coalition government and that the Congress is likely to join the cabinet, bringing its own perspectives. He stated power-sharing would be managed collectively and claimed the Dravidian parties had previously opposed such arrangements, partly to avoid sharing their perceived 'loot.' He emphasised TVK’s commitment to secular social justice, welfare, and growth alongside development-oriented policies.

K.G. Arunraj, a former IRS officer who left a secure civil service career to join the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, took charge as a minister in Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s cabinet on Sunday, May 10, 2026. He described his career path—from doctor to civil servant to politician—as rooted in social service and said politics should be guided by empathy for people. He framed TVK’s ideology as secular social justice which would underpin policy and governance.