Senthil Balaji, Ponmudy quit as TN ministers amid legal, political pressure

The Tamil Nadu Cabinet underwent a significant reshuffle on Sunday (April 27), as Governor RN Ravi accepted the resignations of V Senthil Balaji, Minister for Electricity, Prohibition, and Excise, and K Ponmudy, Minister for Forests and Khadi, following recommendations by Chief Minister MK Stalin.

The move, announced through a Raj Bhavan press release, also included portfolio reallocations and the induction of T Mano Thangaraj, MLA from Padmanabhapuram, into the Cabinet. The swearing-in ceremony for the newly assigned ministers is set for Monday evening.

Protracted legal battle

Senthil Balaji’s exit from the Cabinet follows a protracted legal battle. Arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on June 14, 2023, for alleged money laundering linked to a cash-for-jobs scam during his time as Transport Minister under the AIADMK government (2011-15), Senthil Balaji spent 471 days in jail.

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Granted bail by the Supreme Court on September 26, 2024, due to trial delays—with over 2,000 accused and 550 witnesses involved—he was reinstated as a minister on September 29.

However, the Supreme Court, on April 9, issued a directive asking Senthil Balaji to choose between his ministerial post and bail, citing risks of witness intimidation.

Political challenges

Ponmudy’s removal also stems from legal and political challenges. Convicted in a disproportionate assets case in December 2023, he faced a brief disqualification as an MLA before being reinstated.

His recent controversial public statements led to his removal as DMK deputy general secretary, and Opposition parties, including the AIADMK and BJP, have consistently demanded his ouster from the Cabinet, arguing that his legal troubles undermine the government’s integrity.

This reshuffle appears to be Stalin’s response to such pressures, aiming to project a cleaner image ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

Change of portfolios

The reshuffle sees SS Sivasankar, previously Minister for Transport, taking on Electricity in addition to his existing role, while S Muthusamy, Minister for Housing and Urban Development, assumes Prohibition and Excise.

RS Rajakannappan, Minister for Milk and Dairy Development, has been entrusted with Forests and Khadi, portfolios previously held by Ponmudy.

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The re-induction of Mano Thangaraj addresses long-standing demands for representation from Kanyakumari district, which had been unrepresented since his removal in September 2024, a decision that had sparked local discontent. Mano will take over the Milk and Dairy Development department.

Addressing gaps

The September 2024 reshuffle, which saw Udhayanidhi Stalin elevated to Deputy Chief Minister and Senthil Balaji reinstated, had caused friction among senior leaders and allies. Thangaraj’s earlier removal had left Kanyakumari underrepresented, a gap now filled with his return, signaling an effort to strengthen the DMK’s southern base.

Analysts suggest this move also aims to counter opposition narratives of corruption, particularly from the BJP, which the DMK accuses of using Central agencies like the ED to target its leaders.