BJP Moves Governor Against CM Vijay Over ‘Private Individuals’ at Cabinet Meeting, TVK Fires Back With Adviser Claim

Chennai/New Delhi: A fresh political controversy has erupted in Tamil Nadu after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) approached Governor Rajendra Arlekar, demanding action against two individuals who allegedly attended a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay despite not holding any official government post.

The BJP described the incident as a serious “transgression” and alleged that allowing private individuals into a confidential Cabinet meeting violated established government procedures and the oath of secrecy observed during such discussions.

The BJP delegation, led by Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagenthran, met Governor Arlekar on Saturday and submitted a formal memorandum seeking legal and constitutional action. The delegation also included state chief spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy and Tamil Nadu BJP in-charge Arvind Menon.

Who Are the Two Individuals?

The BJP identified the two individuals as John Arokiyasamy and Vishnu Reddy, claiming that neither of them held any official government designation when they attended the Cabinet meeting.

According to the party, the presence of the duo in a high-level government meeting raises serious concerns about confidentiality, governance, and administrative accountability.

Speaking to reporters after meeting the Governor, Nainar Nagenthran said the BJP had requested immediate intervention to prevent such incidents from recurring.

He stated that the Governor should examine the matter carefully and take appropriate legal action if any constitutional or administrative norms were violated.

BJP Calls It a Violation of Cabinet Secrecy

In its memorandum, the BJP argued that Cabinet meetings involve discussions on sensitive policy decisions, governance matters, and confidential state issues.

The party alleged that allowing individuals who were not officially part of the government to participate amounted to an illegal act and compromised the sanctity of Cabinet proceedings.

According to a release from Lok Bhavan, the Governor was urged to advise Chief Minister Vijay to ensure that only authorised officials participate in future Cabinet meetings.

The BJP further maintained that preserving the confidentiality of Cabinet deliberations is essential for maintaining constitutional governance.

DMK Also Raised Similar Allegations

Interestingly, the issue has also drawn attention from the opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), which has separately lodged a police complaint against the same two individuals.

The DMK alleged that John Arokiyasamy and Vishnu Reddy not only attended official government meetings but also issued directions to government officials despite allegedly lacking any recognised administrative authority.

According to the complaint, both individuals are residents of Andhra Pradesh, a fact that has further intensified political debate over their involvement in the functioning of the Tamil Nadu government.

Although the BJP and the DMK remain political rivals, both parties have questioned the participation of the two men in official state affairs.

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TVK Rejects the Allegations

Responding to the controversy, the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) strongly rejected the allegations made by both opposition parties.

The party clarified that John Arokiyasamy and Vishnu Reddy are Special Advisers to the Chief Minister and therefore cannot be described as private individuals.

According to TVK leaders, the appointments give them a legitimate role in assisting the Chief Minister, making their participation in official meetings appropriate.

The party insisted that the BJP’s allegations are politically motivated and intended to create unnecessary controversy around the functioning of the newly formed government.

Political Battle Intensifies

The issue has quickly developed into another flashpoint in Tamil Nadu politics, with the BJP attempting to portray the episode as a question of constitutional propriety while the ruling TVK defends its administrative decisions.

The Governor’s response to the BJP’s memorandum is now being closely watched, especially as similar concerns have already been raised through the DMK‘s police complaint.

Legal experts note that the central question may revolve around whether the two advisers were officially appointed through proper government procedures before participating in Cabinet-level discussions.

If their appointments are found to have followed due process, the government’s defence could gain strength. However, if procedural lapses emerge, the controversy may trigger further political and legal scrutiny.

What Happens Next?

For now, no official action has been announced by Governor Rajendra Arlekar regarding the BJP’s representation.

The political dispute is expected to continue in the coming days, with both the BJP and the DMK pressing for greater transparency, while the ruling TVK maintains that the participation of the two advisers was entirely lawful.

As the debate unfolds, the controversy is likely to remain one of the key political stories in Tamil Nadu, raising broader questions about governance, Cabinet confidentiality, and the role of advisers in state administration.