Published Apr 26, 2025 | 2:02 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 26, 2025 | 2:02 PM
Senthil Balaji was re-inducted into the Stalin Cabinet on 28 September 2024.
Synopsis: The anticipated Cabinet reshuffle is seen as the DMK’s strategic move to address internal dissent, ensure stronger governance, and provide a balanced community representation within the government.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin is likely to drop two ministers in a major reshuffle that may see new faces and changes in portfolios, sources said.
The move comes days after the Supreme Court issued an ultimatum to Minister for Electricity, Prohibition and Excise V Senthil Balaji to quit the Cabinet, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate and later granted bail after spending 471 days in prison. If he did not quit, his bail would be cancelled, the apex court indicated on 23 April.
Balaji, who held the Transport portfolio in the AIADMK government between 2011 and 2016, has been embroiled in the cash-for-job scam. Two days after getting bail on 26 September 2024, Stalin re-inducted him into the Cabinet. Earlier, he was forced to resign following his arrest on 14 June 2023.
His reinduction has raised serious concerns about influencing witnesses in the high-profile case.
Recently, in a case filed by K Vidya Kumar, a cash-for-job scam victim, the Supreme Court expressed strong displeasure, criticising Balaji’s actions as being detrimental to the dignity of the judiciary.
The court observed that holding ministerial office while on bail could complicate case-related matters. It noted that Balaji’s continuation as a minister could potentially impact the conditions of his bail.
In light of these developments, sources revealed that Balaji was likely to tender his resignation from the Cabinet between Saturday night and Monday morning.
Apart from Balaji’s anticipated resignation, reports suggested that major changes were imminent in the Cabinet. Sources said another senior minister, too, may be removed, paving the way for the induction of new ministers.
Internal party dissatisfaction has reportedly been brewing against Forest Minister K Ponmudi following a series of controversies. It has been said that the DMK leadership had decided to relieve him of his ministerial duties. Sources named Sankarapuram MLA T Udhayasuriyan might replace Ponmudi.
Balaji’s responsibilities as a minister might go to Aravakurichi MLA R Elango.
Sources close to the DMK leadership also indicated that other names under consideration for Cabinet berths included Tenkasi North District Secretary and Sankarankovil MLA E Raja, as well as Manamadurai MLA Tamilarasi Ravikumar.
Moreover, it has been reported that Minister for Information Technology and Digital Services Palanivel Thiaga Rajan (PTR) might be entrusted with additional responsibilities, as part of the reorganisation.
The anticipated Cabinet reshuffle has been seen as the DMK’s strategic move to address internal dissent, ensure stronger governance, and provide a balanced community representation within the government.
It was also being viewed as an effort to manage ongoing legal challenges and maintain political stability. A formal announcement regarding the Cabinet changes was like late on Saturday, sources said.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
