Senthil Balaji and Others Sworn in as Ministers in Tamil Nadu Cabinet Reshuffle

Chennai witnessed a significant political event on Sunday as four Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) legislators took their oaths as cabinet ministers. Prominent DMK member V Senthil Balaji, recently granted bail by the Supreme Court amid a money laundering case, was among those sworn in by Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi at a ceremony held in Raj Bhavan.

The swearing-in ceremony, which took place in the presence of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin and his son Udhayanidhi Stalin, marked a reshuffle in the state cabinet. Senthil Balaji, 48, was reappointed to his previous portfolio of Electricity, Non-Conventional Energy Development, Prohibition & Excise.

Joining Senthil Balaji in taking the oath were three other DMK legislators: Govi Chezhiaan from Thiruvidaimarudur, R Rajendran from Salem North, and S M Nasar from Avadi. Chezhiaan, an experienced orator and former chief government whip, has been assigned the portfolio of Higher Education, which includes responsibilities for technical education, electronics, and science and technology.

R Rajendran, a dedicated DMK party worker since his student days, has been appointed as the Minister for Tourism. Meanwhile, S M Nasar, previously the Milk and Dairy Development Minister, has taken charge as the Minister for Minorities Welfare and Non-Resident Tamils Welfare.

Following the reshuffle, Udhayanidhi Stalin was elevated to the position of Deputy Chief Minister. Alongside his role as Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development, he will now also oversee planning and development.

Addressing the press after the ceremony, Udhayanidhi acknowledged the criticism directed at him following his elevation. “I accept all your criticisms and will respond to them through my work,” he stated, promising to fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to him by his father, Chief Minister M K Stalin, and other senior ministers.

The cabinet reshuffle also involved dropping three ministers: T Mano Thangaraj, Gingee KS Masthan, and K Ramachandran, the latter being appointed as the chief government whip. This restructuring brings the current cabinet strength, including the Chief Minister, to a total of 35 members.