Although speculation suggested that new faces might be inducted into the cabinet, portfolio have been reassigned to existing ministers, with one exception.
Published Apr 27, 2025 | 10:36 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 27, 2025 | 10:36 PM
V Senthil Balaji and K Ponmudi have resigned from the cabinet.
Synopsis: In its sixth cabinet reshuffle since assuming power, the DMK government in Tamil Nadu has reassigned the portfolios of ministers V Senthil Balaji and K Ponmudy, following their resignations prompted by Supreme Court censure and public backlash over controversial remarks, respectively.
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led Tamil Nadu government on Sunday, 27 April announced its sixth cabinet reshuffle since coming to power in May 2021.
Ministers V Senthil Balaji and K Ponmudy, facing legal backlash and public criticism respectively, have resigned from their posts, prompting the reshuffle.
Although speculation suggested that new faces might be inducted into the cabinet, portfolio 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.
The exit of Senthil Balaji follows strong criticism from the Supreme Court over his continuation in office while being out on bail.
On 23 April, a two-judge bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih gave an ultimatum to Balaji to choose between continuing as a minister or retaining the bail granted to him in the cash-for-jobs scam case.
The bench noted that bail had been granted on the understanding that he was no longer holding ministerial office.
Balaji was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in June 2023 for allegedly accepting bribes during his tenure as transport minister in the AIADMK government between 2011 and 2015. After joining the DMK in 2018, he was appointed Minister for Electricity and Prohibition and Excise.
Though he resigned following his arrest, he was reappointed after his release on bail in September 2024, a move that attracted criticism from the apex court. The court expressed concern that Balaji’s position could enable him to influence witnesses.
Similarly, K Ponmudy’s removal comes in the wake of sustained criticism over remarks made at a public event, where he referenced sex workers to criticise Saivism and Vaishnavism.
In the immediate aftermath, Ponmudi was stripped of his position as deputy general secretary earlier this month.
But continued criticism forced in his removal from the cabinet.
Since Chief Minister MK Stalin assumed office in 2021, the Tamil Nadu cabinet has seen multiple changes:
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
