No Outsiders at TN Cabinet Meetings, Says Minister; Clarifies Social Justice Dept Rename
Social Justice Minister V. Vanni Arasu has asserted that no external individuals attended the recent Cabinet meetings of the Tamil Nadu government, dismissing allegations to the contrary. The clarification comes amid claims that two persons, John Arokiasamy and Vishnu Reddy, were present during the first Cabinet meeting of the Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led government.
In an exclusive interview with The Hindu, Mr. Vanni Arasu said, "I was present at that Cabinet meeting. Officials, including the Chief Secretary, came in, read out only the agenda content for the meeting, and left. After that, only the Ministers were present. In both Cabinet meetings held so far, only the Ministers were seated. Neither John Arokiasamy nor Vishnu Reddy was in that meeting."
The allegations had surfaced on social media, with some questioning the transparency of the newly formed government's proceedings. The Minister's remarks are the first official response to the claims.
Mr. Vanni Arasu also addressed the controversy surrounding the renaming of the Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department as the Social Justice Department. The decision, announced at the time of his swearing-in, drew opposition from Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) general secretary D. Ravikumar. The Minister stated that the name change was announced only on the day he took office, and whatever decision his party leader took on the matter would be final.
Explaining the rationale, he said, "In the Government of India, there is a Ministry of Social Justice, which includes departments for Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, transpersons, and persons with disabilities. This name change might have been carried out with a similar long-term vision. Therefore, I accepted it and began my work. However, there are still differing views regarding this name change."
On the continuing incidents of honour killings in Tamil Nadu and the demand for a dedicated law to prevent them, the Minister said a decision would be made only after the K.N. Basha Commission's report was submitted. "During the previous regime, a committee was formed under the leadership of retired Justice K.N. Basha. Members of the committee have requested a nine-month extension. Their request has been conveyed to the Chief Minister. Once the committee's report is submitted, a swift decision will be taken," he said.
Regarding atrocities against Dalits across the state, Mr. Vanni Arasu emphasised collective responsibility. "Everyone—including the government and social movements—shares a collective responsibility in this. Similarly, the police must be guided by the law and not by caste. If police officials simply act on the basis of the law, three-fourths of the problems will be resolved right there," he remarked.
When asked about members within the VCK openly criticising the TVK-led government, he responded, "I do not let political criticism or remarks bother me. Our party leader told me that he will address these matters, and I should not comment on them. I will only answer questions regarding this government's functioning."
The Minister's statements come as the new government faces scrutiny over its early decisions, with stakeholders watching for further clarity on social justice and law enforcement issues.
