Senior DMK leader V. Senthil Balaji was sworn in as a minister in the Tamil Nadu Cabinet on Sunday. This follows his recent release from prison, where he spent over 450 days related to a cash-for-jobs case.
Alongside Senthil Balaji, Govi Chezhian, R. Rajendran, and S.M. Nasser were also sworn in as ministers. Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi administered the oath of office and secrecy at the Raj Bhavan.
Senthil Balaji has been assigned the portfolios of Electricity, Excise, and Prohibition. Govi Chezhian will serve as the new Higher Education Minister, while R. Rajendran has been given the Tourism portfolio. S.M. Nasser will oversee the Minorities Welfare and Non-Resident Tamils Welfare departments.
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An influential leader from western Tamil Nadu, Senthil Balaji was released from Puzhal Central Prison on Thursday after spending 471 days in custody. He was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate while serving as a minister in the previous AIADMK government. Following his arrest, he joined the DMK and won a seat in the 2021 Assembly elections from the Karur constituency.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, who was appointed Deputy Chief Minister on Saturday, attended the swearing-in ceremony. Udhayanidhi has also taken on additional responsibilities in the Planning & Development department, alongside his existing roles in Youth Welfare and Sports Development.
Prior to the ceremony, Udhayanidhi Stalin visited the memorials of DMK founders C.N. Annadurai and M. Karunanidhi, paying floral tributes. He expressed that his new role as Deputy Chief Minister is a significant responsibility.