In a significant political development in Tamil Nadu, two senior ministers, V. Senthil Balaji and Dr. K. Ponmudy, have resigned from Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s cabinet amid mounting legal and political pressures. Their resignations, accepted by Governor R.N. Ravi on April 27, 2025, have prompted a cabinet reshuffle aimed at restoring public confidence and ensuring administrative stability ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
Senthil Balaji: Legal Troubles and Supreme Court Ultimatum
Senthil Balaji, who held the portfolios of Electricity, Prohibition, and Excise, stepped down following a stern warning from the Supreme Court. The court had directed him to choose between retaining his ministerial position and maintaining his bail status in connection with a money laundering case linked to a cash-for-jobs scam during his tenure as Transport Minister in the previous AIADMK government. Balaji was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in June 2023 and granted bail in September 2024. However, his reinstatement to the cabinet post-bail drew criticism, with the apex court questioning the propriety of his return to office while under investigation .
K. Ponmudy: Controversial Remarks and Legal Repercussions
Dr. K. Ponmudy, who managed the Forests and Khadi portfolios, resigned following widespread backlash over his controversial remarks that were perceived as derogatory towards Shaivite and Vaishnavite traditions and women. The Madras High Court initiated suo motu proceedings against him, categorizing his statements as prima facie hate speech. The court observed that his comments were calculated to subvert harmony among religious groups and demean the moral worth of women, particularly sex workers . In response to the controversy, the DMK had earlier removed Ponmudy from his position as Deputy General Secretary.
Cabinet Reshuffle: Strategic Realignments
In the wake of these resignations, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has undertaken a cabinet reshuffle to ensure continuity in governance:
- S. Sivasankar, the Transport Minister, has been assigned the additional responsibility of the Electricity portfolio.
- Muthusamy, the Housing and Urban Development Minister, will now also oversee Prohibition and Excise.
- S. Rajakannappan, previously the Minister for Milk and Dairy Development, has been redesignated as the Minister for Forests and Khadi.
- Mano Thangaraj, MLA from Padmanabhapuram, has been inducted into the cabinet and will assume charge of the Milk and Dairy Development portfolio. His swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for April 28 at Raj Bhavan, Chennai .
Political Implications and Opposition Reactions
The opposition parties have interpreted these resignations as a response to judicial pressure rather than a proactive ethical stance by the ruling DMK. The AIADMK hailed Ponmudy’s resignation as a victory for its protests, while the BJP criticized Chief Minister Stalin for what it termed as misrule and maladministration.
These developments underscore the challenges faced by the DMK government in maintaining public trust and navigating legal complexities. The cabinet reshuffle is seen as a strategic move to reinforce the party’s commitment to good governance and to stabilize its administrative machinery ahead of the forthcoming elections.
Sources:
- https://www.indiatoday.in/india/tamil-nadu/story/senthil-balaji-ponmudy-quit-as-tamil-nadu-minister-supreme-court-ultimatum-money-laundering-case-stalin-2715953-2025-04-27?utm_
- https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/senthil-ponmudy-resign-from-tamil-nadu-cabinet-in-rejig-101745779051847.html?utm_
- https://swarajyamag.com/news-brief/after-senthil-balaji-and-ponmudis-exit-cm-stalin-reshuffles-tamil-nadu-cabinetthese-ministers-get-new-roles
- https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-ministers-senthil-balaji-k-ponmudy-resign-from-state-cabinet-8271405
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