The youngest minister in the Tamil Nadu cabinet, Keerthana, expressed a positive outlook regarding the government led by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, stating it is poised to last for an extended period of 35 to 50 years. This statement follows her recent oath-taking as part of a nine-member ministerial team sworn in on May 7, 2023. Highlighting the significance of this transition, Keerthana, who is a member of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), underlined an essential change she believes the new administration will bring.

During interactions with media personnel, Keerthana raised her hand in celebration and proclaimed, “Victory, Victory, Victory” in a show of support for Chief Minister Vijay. She stressed that this new government reflects a commitment to meritocracy, which she believes is a crucial aspect of her rise to a ministerial position.

Keerthana, who hails from a middle-class background, concluded that her elevation is demonstrative of the TVK’s focus on talent and skill development. “This opportunity as a candidate and now as a cabinet minister is not something typically accessible in any state,” she remarked. “It’s time for comprehensive changes.”

Background and Academic Qualifications of Keerthana

Born in 1996 in Virudhanagar, Keerthana completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from an institution affiliated with Madurai Kamaraj University. Subsequently, in 2019, she earned a Master of Science in Statistics from Puducherry University. Her academic credentials support her assertions regarding potential reforms within the Tamil Nadu government.

In the recent Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, Keerthana achieved victory in the Sivakasi seat with a margin of 11,697 votes. Her political involvement extends beyond her current position; she has previously participated in election campaigns for various parties, including the Telugu Desam Party, Trinamool Congress, and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. This diverse experience has contributed to her political acumen.

In a prior interview, Keerthana made efforts to increase her party’s visibility beyond state borders, expressing her intent to communicate in Hindi to reach a broader audience. “Politics is something you shouldn’t be afraid of. Everyone should come into politics,” she stated, encouraging citizen engagement in the political domain.

Vijay’s Administration and Its Political Significance

Alongside Keerthana, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath to other ministers, including N Anand, Aadhav Arjuna, and KA Sengottaiyan, among others. The emerging government, supported by 120 MLAs in the 234-member House, marks a significant political shift in Tamil Nadu. The TVK secured 118 seats, enabling them to cross the threshold for a legislative majority.

The Chief Minister’s party also garnered backing from Congress, which won five seats, along with two seats each from the Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, and the Indian Union Muslim League. Following his appointment, Vijay has been directed to demonstrate his majority in the Assembly by May 13.

Vijay’s ascension also represents the end of a six-decade-long dominance of the Dravidian party system in Tamil Nadu, marking a historical shift in local politics. His family expressed pride and joy at this significant milestone in his political career.

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