A significant reshuffle in the Tamil Nadu Cabinet took place with the induction of several new ministers during a swearing-in ceremony at the Raj Bhavan in Chennai. Governor RN Ravi administered the oath to V Senthil Balaji, Dr. Govi Chezhiaan, R. Rajendran, and S.M. Nasar, among others. The event was attended by newly appointed Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and Chief Minister MK Stalin.
New Ministerial Roles
- V Senthil Balaji: Reinstated as the Minister of Electricity, Prohibition, and Excise, a portfolio he previously managed from May 2021 to June 2023.
- Dr. Govi Chezhiaan: Appointed as the Minister of Higher Education.
- R. Rajendran: Inducted as the Minister for Tourism.
- S.M. Nasar: Takes on the role of Minister for Minorities Welfare and Non-Resident Tamils Welfare, having previously held the Milk and Dairy Development portfolio.
Additional appointments include:
- K. Ponmudy: Minister for Forests, Environment, and Climate Change.
- Siva V. Meyyanathan: Minister for Backward Classes Welfare.
- N. Kayalvizhi Selvaraj: Responsible for Human Resources Management and Ex-Servicemen Welfare.
- M. Mathiventhan: Minister for Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare.
- R.S. Rajakannappan: Appointed Minister for Milk and Dairy Development, as well as Khadi & Village Industries.
- Thangam Tennarasu: Allocated responsibilities for Environment, Pollution Control Board, and Climate Change, in addition to Finance and Archaeology.
Key Developments and Ministerial Changes
The reshuffle followed Chief Minister MK Stalin's recommendation to the Governor, who approved the new appointments and portfolios. Notably, three ministers—T. Mano Thangaraj (Milk and Dairy Development), Gingee K.S. Masthan (Minorities Welfare and Non-Resident Tamils Welfare), and K. Ramachandran (Tourism)—were dropped from the Cabinet.
A significant highlight was Udhayanidhi Stalin’s appointment as Deputy Chief Minister. In addition to his existing role as Minister of Sports, he has been assigned the portfolio for Planning and Development.
V Senthil Balaji's Controversial Return
V Senthil Balaji's re-entry into the Cabinet is particularly noteworthy, as it comes just two days after he was granted bail by the Supreme Court in a money laundering case linked to a cash-for-jobs scam. Balaji had been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in June last year, and the Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices A.S. Oka and A.G. Masih, granted him bail on Thursday. His return to the Cabinet marks a pivotal moment in Tamil Nadu politics amidst ongoing scrutiny and challenges.