Udhayanidhi Stalin appointed as Tamil Nadu deputy CM; Senthil Balaji and three other ministers sworn in

PTC News Desk: In a major political development in Tamil Nadu, Udhayanidhi Stalin, son of Chief Minister MK Stalin, was elevated to the position of Deputy Chief Minister. Along with his appointment, four other Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) legislators were sworn in as cabinet ministers by Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi in a ceremony held at Raj Bhavan, Chennai, on Sunday.

Among the newly appointed ministers is DMK leader V. Senthil Balaji, who recently received bail from the Supreme Court in connection with a money laundering case. He was re-inducted into the cabinet along with three other DMK members: R. Rajendran (Salem-North), Govi Chezhiaan (Thiruvidaimarudur), and S. M. Nasar (Avadi).

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Chief Minister MK Stalin and his newly appointed Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, marking a significant cabinet reshuffle in the Tamil Nadu government.

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Portfolios Allotted to New Ministers

An official statement from Raj Bhavan outlined the portfolios assigned to the newly sworn-in ministers. According to the statement, the allocations were approved based on the recommendation of Chief Minister MK Stalin. The portfolios are as follows:

• V. Senthil Balaji (Karur Assembly Constituency): Minister for Electricity, Prohibition, and Excise, responsible for Electricity and Non-Conventional Energy Development, Prohibition, and Excise.
  
  
• Govi Chezhiaan (Thiruvidaimarudur Assembly Constituency): Minister for Higher Education, overseeing Higher Education, including Technical Education, Electronics, Science, and Technology.
  
  
• R. Rajendran (Salem-North Assembly Constituency): Minister for Tourism, managing Tourism and Sugar, Sugarcane Excise, and Sugarcane Development.
  
  
• S. M. Nasar (Avadi Assembly Constituency): Minister for Minorities Welfare and Non-Resident Tamils Welfare, responsible for Minorities Welfare, Non-Resident Tamils Welfare, Refugees, Evacuees, and the Wakf Board.

Udhayanidhi Stalin’s New Role as Deputy Chief Minister

Udhayanidhi Stalin, who had been serving as the Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development, was promoted to the position of Deputy Chief Minister on Saturday. In addition to his current responsibilities, he will now also manage the planning and development portfolio.

His elevation is seen as a key move in the state’s cabinet reshuffle. Addressing public criticism following his promotion, Udhayanidhi said, "Of course there is criticism, but I will do my best to take it constructively and work for the public. I accept all the criticisms and will respond through my work."

Speaking to reporters after visiting a memorial, Udhayanidhi acknowledged the significant responsibility placed upon him by Chief Minister MK Stalin and other ministers. He expressed his commitment to fulfilling his new role to the best of his ability.

This reshuffle and the appointment of Udhayanidhi as Deputy Chief Minister mark an important phase in Tamil Nadu politics, further solidifying the influence of the Stalin family within the state’s leadership.

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- With inputs from agencies

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