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The political landscape of Tamil Nadu has witnessed a significant shift with the elevation of Udhayanidhi Stalin, son of Chief Minister MK Stalin, as the state's deputy chief minister. This appointment, announced on Saturday, was accompanied by a cabinet reshuffle that saw four other Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) legislators being sworn in as ministers. The ceremony took place at Raj Bhavan in Chennai on Sunday, presided over by Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi.
Udhayanidhi Stalin, previously serving as the minister for youth welfare and sports development, now assumes the additional responsibility of overseeing the planning and development portfolio. His elevation to the deputy chief minister position is seen as a strategic move by the DMK, solidifying its grip on power in the state. The appointment has, however, sparked criticism from the opposition, who view it as nepotism and a disregard for democratic principles.
The swearing-in ceremony also witnessed the return of V Senthil Balaji to the Tamil Nadu cabinet. Senthil Balaji, who was granted bail by the Supreme Court in a money laundering case, has been allocated the portfolio of Minister for Electricity, Prohibition and Excise. His re-entry into the cabinet comes after a period of legal scrutiny and underscores the complex interplay between politics and law in India.
The other three legislators sworn in as ministers include R Rajendran (Salem-North), Govi Chezhiaan (Thiruvidaimarudur), and S M Nasar (Avadi). Rajendran has been appointed as the Minister for Tourism, while Chezhiaan will oversee the Higher Education portfolio. Nasar has been given the responsibility of Minister for Minorities Welfare and Non-Resident Tamils Welfare.
The cabinet reshuffle is a significant event in Tamil Nadu politics, reflecting the ongoing power dynamics within the DMK and the larger political landscape of the state. The appointment of Udhayanidhi Stalin as deputy chief minister, coupled with the return of Senthil Balaji, signals a shift in the distribution of power within the ruling party and could have significant implications for the future of Tamil Nadu politics.
Source: Udhayanidhi Stalin elevated as Tamil Nadu deputy CM; Senthil Balaji, 3 other ministers take oath