Udayanidhi Stalin, the Chief Minister’s son, has officially taken on the role of Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, confirming long-held speculation. In a major cabinet reshuffle, Udayanidhi, who also serves as Sports Minister, will now oversee the Ministry of Planning and Development in addition to his current responsibilities.
Chief Minister MK Stalin recommended Udayanidhi’s appointment to the Governor, who promptly accepted the recommendation. Udayanidhi will take his oath this afternoon at Chennai Raj Bhavan.
Former transport minister Senthil Balaji has rejoined the cabinet after securing bail in a money laundering case just two days ago. The specific portfolio for Balaji remains unclear, but he joins new members Dr. Gobi Chejhian, R. Rajendran, and SM Nasser.
Balaji spent 15 months in jail due to his involvement in the AIADMK’s cash-for-job scam during the late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa’s administration, facing money laundering accusations before the Supreme Court granted him bail on Thursday.