Tiruchirappalli (Tamil Nadu) [India], May 23 : Tamil Nadu Minister Ramesh on Saturday said that the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led government stands for secularism and social justice, asserting that ministerial positions and electoral victories in the state were not determined by caste identity.
Speaking to reporters during the 1351st Sathaya festival celebrations of Emperor Perumpidugu Mutharaiyar in Tiruchirappalli, Ramesh credited the leadership of Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay for the party's electoral success.
"TVK stands for secularism and social justice. Neither me nor Deputy Speaker Ravi Shankar received votes based on caste identity, but because of the leadership of the Chief Minister," Ramesh said.
He further stated that people connected with the Chief Minister beyond caste and religious lines. "People viewed the Chief Minister as one among their own family members beyond caste and religion, and the same perception extended to party candidates and ministers. No posts were given based on caste considerations," he added.
On the occasion of the festival, Ramesh, Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board Chairman Ku Pa Krishnan, State Assembly Deputy Speaker Ravi Shankar, and other government and administrative officials paid floral tributes to the statue of Emperor Perumpidugu Mutharaiyar at Othakadai in Trichy.
The remarks come amid recent cabinet expansion exercises undertaken by the TVK-led government in Tamil Nadu. On Friday, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) MLA Vanni Arasu and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) MLA AM Shahjahan were sworn in as ministers in the Tamil Nadu government.
Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office during a ceremony held at Lok Bhavan in Chennai.
The induction of the two legislators followed the recommendation of Chief Minister Vijay as the government continued expanding its cabinet after assuming office.
Earlier this week, the state government also allocated portfolios to 23 ministers, with Tamil Nadu becoming the second state in the country after Kerala to establish a dedicated Artificial Intelligence department at the cabinet level.