Tamil Nadu cabinet reshuffle: Senthil Balaji, Ponmudy dropped
Tamil Nadu Minister and DMK leader V Senthil Balaji resigned from the MK Stalin Cabinet on Sunday after the Supreme Court issued a stern warning in a money laundering case.
The top court had asked Balaji to choose between his “post and freedom,” warning that his bail could be cancelled if he did not step down as minister.
Another minister, K Ponmudy, also resigned after facing backlash over controversial remarks linking Shaivism and Vaishnavism to a sex worker.
His resignation came days after the Madras High Court initiated suo motu proceedings in the matter.
The portfolios held by these ministers have been reassigned to existing ministers, with one exception.
Former minister Padmanabhan Mano Thangaraj, who was removed during an earlier reshuffle, has been reinstated, although without a portfolio for now.
Minister SS Sivasankar has been entrusted with additional responsibility for the electricity department, while Dairy Development Minister SM Rajakannappan will now also oversee the forests and khadi departments.
Housing and Urban Development Minister S Muthusamy has been given additional charge of the prohibition and excise department.
The new appointments will be formalised at a swearing-in ceremony scheduled for 6pm on Monday, 28 April at Raj Bhavan.