T.N. Cabinet reshuffle: CM Stalin gives important portfolios for Scheduled Castes; more representation for Vanniyars

Tamil Nadu Cabinet shuffle addresses inefficiency, increases Vanniyar representation, and dispels SC portfolio allegations, with key ministerial changes.

In the long-awaited shuffle in the Tamil Nadu Cabinet, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has sought to address the issue of inefficiency and also increased representation for Vanniyars and dispel the allegation that Scheduled Castes are not given important portfolios.

He has taken away the portfolio of Higher Education from K. Ponmudy, the fourth senior most Minister in the Cabinet and made him the Minister for the Forest Department, which has already changed hands two times.

K. Ramachandran, who has been dropped from the Cabinet, first held the portfolio, before losing it to Dr M. Mathiventhan, who belongs to the Scheduled Caste. Now, the department has gone to Mr. Ponmudy, and Mr Mathiventhan has become the Minister for Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare.

DMK whip in the Legislative Assembly Govi Chezhiaan representing Tiruvidaimaruthur reserved constituency in Salem district has become the Higher Education Minister. By this move, Mr. Stalin has sought to put an end to the allegation that Scheduled Caste leaders in the DMK could not get important portfolios. The party had earlier made A. Raja, who belongs to the Scheduled Caste, the Union Telecom and Information Technology Minister.

Mr. Ponmudy, according to sources, failed to measure up to the expectations of the Chief Minister reportedly because of his age and health conditions.

R. Rajendran, a five-time MLA, has secured a place in the Cabinet. “There is a need to have one more Vanniyar candidate since Salem is a big district. His elevation will gear up the party organisation for the next Assembly polls,” said a senior leader of the party.

Ministers Duraimurugan, M.R.K. Panneerselvam, Ma. Subramanian and S.S. Sivasankar are other Vanniyars in the Cabinet. Mr. Rajendran will hold the portfolio of Tourism handled by Mr. Ramachandran, now made as party whip.