RESHUFFLE'S CABINETS RESHUFFLE'S CABINES: NEW MINISTER INDUTS INDUTS PHOST, thanks to the resignation | Mint

Tamil Nadu Cabinet Reform: In a significant political development, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, MK Stalin, recommended, and Governor RN RAVI approved it, a major reform in the state cabinet after the resignation of two senior ministers, V. Senthilbalaji and Dr. K. Ponmudy. The move comes amid increasing political and legal pressure, and is seen as an attempt by the ruling DMK government to restore stability and confidence in the public before important months for the administration. The Reformation sees that SS Sivasankar has been entrusted to the electricity portfolio additionally, while the senior minister’s Muthusamy will now handle ban and excise. RS RajakannAppan, former minister of milk and dairy development, was redesigned as the Minister of Forests and Khadi. Furthermore, the chief minister recommended the induction of T Mano Thangaraj, MLA of the Padmanabhapuram constituency in the Cabinet. The curse ceremony for the new minister will take place on Monday, April 28, in Raj Bhavan, Chennai. The resignations of Senthilbalaji and Ponmudy were the subject of great attention. V. Senthilbalaji, who served as Minister of Electricity, Prohibition and Excise, retired to an ultimatum of the Supreme Court. Senthilbalaji was arrested in June 2023 in connection with a money laundering case under the Money Laundry Prevention Act (PMLA), and was later granted by the Supreme Court in September 2024. However, the Apex Court asked questions about the legality of his resumption of his office while on bail to clear his position on April 28. Senthilbalaji faced his resignation for legal and political pressure. Dr. K. Ponmudy, who held the forests and the Khadi portfolio, resigned after having widespread criticism of his controversial public remarks, which were considered derogatory and delivered sharp reactions of both the opposition and within the DMK. His remarks, which linked women to Hindu religious practices, led to his removal as deputy secretary of the DMK and aroused claims for his result from the Cabinet. The party, who would like to avoid further embarrassment, accepted its resignation as part of the Reformation. This renovation of the Cabinet is generally considered a strategic step by Chief Minister MK Stalin to address recent controversies, ensure effective management and indicate the government’s response to public and judicial inquiry. The induction of new faces and the redistribution of key portfolios is expected to inject fresh energy into the administration as it navigates a challenging political landscape. First published: 27 Apr 2025, 08:27 pm Ist