S Rajesh Kumar’s Ministerial Oath Sparks Protocol Row In Chennai

Governor Stops Congress MLA During Oath

A protocol issue briefly disrupted the Tamil Nadu Cabinet expansion in Chennai on Thursday, May 21, 2026, after Congress MLA S Rajesh Kumar added political remarks while taking oath as a state minister. Kumar, the Congress Legislature Party leader from Killiyoor, was reading the official oath when he praised K Kamaraj, Rajiv Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar immediately objected and reminded him that such names were not part of the approved oath format.

Cabinet Expansion Draws Attention

An official later guided Kumar back to the written oath, after which he completed the swearing-in. The incident happened during the expansion of Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay’s TVK-led Cabinet. Kumar was among the newly inducted ministers, along with TVK legislators and Congress representatives. The moment quickly became a talking point as it raised questions over oath protocol and political messaging during official ceremonies.

Other Ministers Add Political Remarks

The event also saw other ministers making political statements after completing their oath. TVK MLA A Vijay Tamilan Parthiban hailed Chief Minister Vijay, while Sriperumbudur legislator Thennarasu pledged loyalty to the party and its leader. The oath row has now added fresh debate to Tamil Nadu politics.