Udhayanidhi Stalin Picked As Tamil Nadu Deputy CM, Senthil Balaji Re-inducted In Tamil Nadu Cabinet Reshuffle – News18

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin’s son Udhayanidhi has been named as the deputy chief minister in a mega state cabinet rejig on Saturday.

According to the press statement released by the Raj Bhavan, Udhayanidhi, who is currently the minister of Sports and Youth Welfare, has been allotted an additional portfolio of Planning and Development, and elevated as the deputy Chief Minister of the state.

DMK leader Senthil Balaji, who recently got bail in connection to a money laundering case linked to an alleged cash-for-jobs scam, will also be re-inducted as a minister in the cabinet. Balaji, a current MLA for Karur, was accused in a money laundering case linked to allegations of his involvement in a cash-for-jobs scam during his tenure as the state’s Transport Minister between 2011 and 2016.

Udhyanidhi also greeted and thanked his father for giving him a new opportunity.

“We personally met and congratulated the Chairman – Hon’ble Chief Minister @mkstalin who gave us the opportunity to serve as the Deputy Chief Minister of our proud Tamil Nadu, along with the General Secretary – Treasurer and Hon’ble Ministers. Realizing that ‘Deputy Chief Minister’ is not a position but a responsibility… we will work together with our fellow Ministers under the guidance of the Hon’ble Chief Minister on the path paved by Father Periyar – Perarinjar Anna – Muthamizharinjar Kalainar for the upliftment of the people of Tamil Nadu. Love and thanks!” he said in a post on X.

Alongside Senthil Balaji, Dr Govi Chezhiaan, R Rajendran and SM Nasar have been inducted into the cabinet. Meanwhile, K Ponmudy has been shifted from Higher Education, which goes to newcomer Chezhian, while Rajakannappan has been moved to dairy development.

The cabinet reshuffle comes after Stalin hinted on Tuesday that Udhayanidhi could be appointed as the deputy CM, suggesting potential changes were on the horizon for the state’s leadership structure. The change in state cabinet will see the dropping of three ministers, including Manc Thangaraj, who previously held the Dairy Development portfolio.

Governor RN Ravi formally approved the recommendations and the swearing-in ceremony for the newly appointed cabinet would be held on Sunday, September 29 at 3:30 pm in Raj Bhavan, Chennai.