In a major political development, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay is expanding his Council of Ministers today by inducting 23 new MLAs. The expansion reflects a significant consolidation of the ruling alliance, bringing representation from key partner parties into the government.

Diverse representation in the new team

The incoming cohort of ministers consists of 21 lawmakers from Chief Minister Vijay’s party, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), alongside 2 legislators from the allied Congress party. Media reports indicate that the expansion aims to reinforce unity among alliance partners, with further representation expected for other regional allies to balance regional and political administration. The official swearing-in ceremony for all 23 nominees is scheduled to take place today in Chennai.

A simple packet of the classic chocolate-and-caramel toffee Melody has unexpectedly gone viral after a light-hearted diplomatic moment between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni triggered a wave of online buzz and consumer interest in India.

Viral Modi-Meloni moment drives internet frenzy

The trend began after a video of PM Narendra Modi gifting a packet of Parle Melody to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during his visit gained traction on social media. The clip shows the two leaders sharing a warm and informal exchange, which quickly caught the attention of users online.

Meloni’s positive reaction in the video and the friendly interaction between the two leaders helped fuel the popularity of the moment, which users soon began referring to as part of the “Melodi” meme trend.

Melody demand spikes on quick-commerce platforms

Following the viral spread of the video, demand for Melody toffees reportedly surged across India. Users on social media began sharing screenshots showing the candy listed as out of stock on quick-commerce platforms such as Blinkit and Zepto in several locations.

The sudden spike in interest led to widespread discussion online, with many users humorously linking the diplomatic moment to the sudden shortage of the nostalgic candy.

‘Melodi’ meme trend returns

Beyond the retail impact, the interaction once again revived the popular “Melodi” meme trend on social media. Users flooded platforms with memes, edits, and humorous posts referencing the friendly exchange between the two leaders.

The trend highlights how light-hearted diplomatic moments can quickly evolve into viral cultural phenomena in the digital age.

The Congress party is set to become part of the Tamil Nadu government for the first time in nearly six decades, with two of its MLAs expected to join Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s cabinet in an upcoming expansion.

According to reports, the Congress leadership has approved the induction of two legislators into the Vijay-led administration, marking the party’s return to power-sharing in Tamil Nadu after 59 years.

The development comes days after actor-turned-politician Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), formed the government in Tamil Nadu following the 2026 Assembly elections. Congress had extended support to TVK during the government formation process earlier this month.

Reports said MLAs K Rajesh Kumar and P Viswanathan are among the likely Congress leaders to be sworn in as ministers. The cabinet expansion is expected to strengthen the alliance between TVK and Congress while also giving Congress a direct role in governance in the state.

Congress had last been part of the Tamil Nadu government in 1967, making the latest move a major political milestone in the state’s history. Political observers see the decision as an attempt to consolidate the ruling alliance and maintain stability in the new government.

The TVK government led by Vijay has already begun administrative restructuring and portfolio allocation after taking office earlier this month. Vijay retained key departments including Home, Police and Youth Welfare in the initial cabinet formation.

The Congress leadership had earlier indicated its willingness to participate in the Tamil Nadu government after extending support to Vijay during the post-election negotiations.