Vijay’s meeting with Governor sparks cabinet reshuffle buzz
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay is set to meet Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at Lok Bhavan in Guindy, Chennai, at 4 pm on Thursday, October 16. The meeting has fuelled speculation about a possible reshuffle in the state Cabinet, although no official announcement has been made.
Sources at the Secretariat suggest that discussions could touch upon changes in ministerial portfolios and the induction of new members into the Cabinet. The possibility of a reshuffle had reportedly been under consideration, with a decision earlier expected after the by-elections in Dharapuram and Madurantakam.
Several ministers are reportedly under scrutiny as speculation grows over possible changes. Those mentioned include Human Resources Minister D Sarathkumar, popularly known as Ghilli Sarat, Social Welfare Minister K Jegadeshwari and Transport Minister A Vijay Tamilan Parthiban.
Forest Minister R V Ranjith Kumar and Environment and Climate Change Minister V K Rajeev could also see changes to their portfolios, according to reports. Another proposal under discussion is the transfer of the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department, currently handled directly by Vijay, to Minister Raj Mohan.
The developments come shortly after President Droupadi Murmu appointed Arlekar as Tamil Nadu’s full-time Governor on October 12. He had previously served as the state’s acting Governor following R N Ravi’s appointment as West Bengal Governor in March.
Arlekar, who earlier served as Kerala Governor, administered the oath of office to Vijay and his ministerial team on May 10.
While Vijay is expected to congratulate Arlekar on his appointment during Thursday’s meeting, whether the two will discuss Cabinet changes remains uncertain. Any reshuffle will depend on an official decision from the state government.