Tamil Nadu Cabinet Reshuffle: Udhayanidhi Stalin Named Deputy CM, Senthil Balaji Returns to Government
Tamil Nadu cabinet Reshuffle: stalin -Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW">udhayanidhi stalin Named Deputy cm, Senthil balaji Returns to Government
In a cabinet reshuffle on Sunday, four leaders from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) were sworn in as ministers in tamil Nadu at raj Bhavan. Notably, Senthil balaji, who recently received bail related to a money laundering case tied to a cash-for-jobs scandal, was reinstated as a minister.
The new ministers, including govi Chezhian, SM Nasar, and KS Masthan, took their oaths in a simple ceremony administered by governor RN Ravi.
Udhayanidhi stalin Becomes Deputy CM
Udhayanidhi stalin, the son of chief minister M.K. stalin, has been appointed Deputy chief minister, making him the third-generation leader in his family to hold a significant position in the tamil Nadu government. He follows in the footsteps of his grandfather, the late M. Karunanidhi, and his father, who became chief minister in 2021. Udhayanidhi's elevation comes as the DMK aims to strengthen its position ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.
At 46 years old, Udhayanidhi is the third Deputy chief minister of tamil Nadu, joining his father and AIADMK leader O. Panneerselvam. Although he did not take an oath at this ceremony, he retains his role as the minister of sports and youth Welfare and has also been given the additional portfolio of Planning and Development.
Senthil balaji Returns as Minister
Senthil balaji, who spent 15 months in jail before being granted bail, has been reinstated as a minister. He was previously arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the cash-for-jobs scam while serving as the minister for electricity and Excise. Although initially dismissed by the governor, balaji managed to regain his position and had a brief stint as a minister without a portfolio before resigning earlier this year.
Cabinet Reshuffle Details
The reshuffle also saw the dismissal of T. mano Thangaraj (Milk and Dairy Development), Gingee S. Masthan (Minorities Welfare), and K. Ramachandran (Tourism). Dr. K. Ponmudy, previously the minister for Higher Education, has taken on the role of minister for Forests. Environment minister Siva V. Meyyanathan is now overseeing Backward Classes, while Dr. M. Mathiventhan has been assigned Adi Dravidar Welfare. Additionally, Finance minister Thangam Thennarasu has been given extra responsibilities for Environment and Climate Change, and R. S. Rajakannappan now manages Milk and Dairy Development and Khadi.