Governor RN Ravi has sanctioned Chief Minister Stalin’s recommendation regarding their resignation, according to a communique from the Raj Bhavan.
The opposition AIADMK claimed success for its protests against Ponmudy, while its ally BJP remarked that the “removal” of the two from the cabinet was “overdue.” Senthil Balaji, currently under investigation by the ED for a cash-for-jobs scandal from a previous AIADMK administration, had been instructed by the Supreme Court on Wednesday to make a choice “between post and freedom,” with a warning of bail cancellation if he did not resign as minister.
“When you served as minister, severe findings were documented regarding your conduct in facilitating the settlement, which has now been nullified. Being granted bail does not permit you to sway witnesses. Previously, you have influenced witnesses,” the bench had remarked.
In light of these developments, the Supreme Court provided him with a choice.
“Therefore, you must choose between the post and your freedom. Significant findings have been recorded against you in your role as a minister,” the bench stated while reviewing appeals to withdraw Balaji’s bail on the basis of witness tampering in the case.
Balaji was appointed as a minister by Ravi on September 29, 2024, after receiving bail from the Supreme Court. He had stepped down earlier in February 2024, after serving as a minister without portfolio following his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in June 2023.
Upon his reinstatement last year, he was again entrusted with crucial portfolios—electricity, non-conventional energy development, prohibition, and excise—that he previously held in the Stalin cabinet.
Ponmudy, a prominent DMK figure, recently sparked controversy due to his comments regarding Shaivism and Vaishnavism in relation to a sex worker, attracting widespread censure, after which the Madras High Court initiated its own proceedings on the issue.
Despite his removal from a significant party position, there were calls from opposition factions and others for his departure from the cabinet.
Transport Minister S S Sivasankar will now oversee the Electricity portfolio, which was previously held by Senthil Balaji. In addition, Housing Minister S Muthusamy has been assigned the Excise and Prohibition responsibilities held by Balaji.
RS Rajakannappan has been allocated Ponmudy’s responsibilities for Forests and Khadi, alongside his existing portfolio for Milk and Dairy Development, as stated in the release.
Furthermore, the Governor has accepted the Chief Minister’s proposal to include Padmanabhapuram MLA T Mano Thangaraj in the cabinet, following his removal during an earlier cabinet reshuffle.
The swearing-in ceremony for the newly designated minister will take place at 6 PM on Monday, it was announced.
In response to these developments, the principal opposition party AIADMK stated that Ponmudy’s resignation marked a victory for their various protests against him.
They characterized Balaji’s departure as “justice” secured through the judicial system, according to a statement on their official ‘X’ account.
BJP state vice-president Narayanan Thirupathy remarked, “The removal of Senthil Balaji & Ponmudi from the Tamil Nadu ministry was anticipated, albeit delayed.” He added that this situation reflects poorly not on them, but on Chief Minister MK Stalin for his governance, corruption, and administrative failures,” he commented on social media.
