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The Tamil Nadu political landscape witnessed a significant shakeup with the announcement of a cabinet reshuffle by the DMK-led government. In a move that confirmed long-standing speculation, Udhayanidhi Stalin, son of Chief Minister MK Stalin and the current Sports Minister, was elevated to the post of deputy chief minister. This appointment, coupled with the re-induction of former transport minister Senthil Balaji, who recently secured bail in a money laundering case, marked a pivotal moment in Tamil Nadu politics.
Udhayanidhi Stalin, whose elevation had been the subject of much discussion in recent weeks, assumed the additional responsibility of the Planning and Development ministry alongside his existing Youth Welfare and Sports Development portfolio. His promotion has been seen as a strategic move by the DMK government, likely aimed at bolstering its youth appeal and solidifying its position ahead of the upcoming elections.
Senthil Balaji, who had been incarcerated for 15 months following his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate on charges of money laundering in connection with the alleged cash-for-jobs scam during the AIADMK regime, was granted bail by the Supreme Court on Thursday. The court emphasized the importance of timely prosecution in relation to the granting of bail. While his portfolio has yet to be disclosed, Balaji's return to the cabinet is seen as a demonstration of the DMK government's confidence in his ability to contribute to the administration.
Beyond the significant appointments of Udhayanidhi Stalin and Senthil Balaji, the cabinet reshuffle also involved the departure of three existing ministers: T Mano Thangaraj (Milk and Dairy Development), Gingee Masthan (Minorities Welfare and Non-Resident Tamils Welfare), and K Ramachandran (Tourism). These departures paved the way for the induction of three new faces into the cabinet - Govi Chezhiaan, R Rajendran, and SM Nasar.
The reshuffle was officially announced on Saturday, with the Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi approving the recommendations put forth by Chief Minister MK Stalin. The swearing-in ceremony for the newly appointed ministers is scheduled to take place on Sunday at 3:30 pm. The cabinet reshuffle, with its key appointments and changes, is expected to have a significant impact on the political dynamics within Tamil Nadu, particularly in the lead-up to the upcoming elections.
Source: In MK Stalin's Cabinet Reshuffle, Promotion For Son Udhayanidhi Stalin, Ex-Minister's Re-Entry