Tamil Nadu Cabinet Shake-Up: Senthil Balaji, Ponmudy Resign; Major Portfolios Reassigned Ahead of 2026 Elections

Tamil Nadu Cabinet Shake-Up – In a political tremor ahead of the crucial 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s government witnessed a major cabinet reshuffle on Sunday. Ministers V. Senthil Balaji and K. Ponmudy tendered their resignations, with Governor R.N. Ravi swiftly approving the move based on the Chief Minister’s recommendation.

This dramatic development comes at a time when the ruling DMK is under intense public scrutiny, and opposition parties are stepping up their attacks ahead of the polls.

Big Changes in Key Portfolios

Following the resignations, the Stalin-led government wasted no time in realigning responsibilities:

• Transport Minister S.S. Sivasankar has now been handed the crucial Electricity portfolio, a role previously managed by Senthil Balaji.
• Housing Minister S. Muthusamy will additionally oversee the Excise and Prohibition Department, another key portfolio vacated by Balaji.
• Milk and Dairy Development Minister R.S. Rajakannappan has been entrusted with the Forests and Khadi portfolios, both earlier handled by K. Ponmudy.

The swift redistribution of portfolios signals Stalin’s intent to maintain administrative stability and project an image of decisive leadership.

Why the Resignations Matter

Senthil Balaji’s exit was largely anticipated after the Supreme Court last week delivered a stern ultimatum. The court made it clear that Balaji, who is under investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for alleged financial irregularities, must choose between “holding ministerial office and enjoying personal liberty.” Faced with the prospect of losing bail protection, Balaji had little choice but to step down.

Ponmudy’s resignation, on the other hand, follows a self-inflicted controversy. His derogatory comments involving a sensitive Shaivite-Vaishnavite comparison and remarks about women triggered widespread outrage. Despite being stripped of a prominent party role earlier, calls for his removal from the cabinet had only grown louder, forcing the DMK leadership to act.

Fresh Blood In the Cabinet

In a bid to infuse new energy, Padmanabhapuram MLA T. Mano Thangaraj is set to make a return to the cabinet. Thangaraj, who was dropped in an earlier reshuffle, will take oath as Minister on Monday at 6 PM, according to the official release by Raj Bhavan.

The move to re-induct Thangaraj is seen as an attempt by Stalin to balance caste equations and regional representation, crucial ahead of the high-stakes election season.

Political Implications

The twin resignations and rapid portfolio reassignment mark a critical turning point for the DMK government. With the opposition BJP and AIADMK sharpening their attacks, Stalin appears keen to project a clean, efficient, and controversy-free image of his administration.

Political analysts believe the reshuffle could help Stalin shield the government from corruption allegations and social backlash, thereby focusing the narrative back on governance and development issues.

Key Highlights:

• Senthil Balaji and K. Ponmudy resign amid legal troubles and controversies.
• Governor RN Ravi accepts their resignations swiftly on CM Stalin’s advice.
• New responsibilities assigned to S.S. Sivasankar, S. Muthusamy, and R.S. Rajakannappan.
• T. Mano Thangaraj to rejoin cabinet; swearing-in scheduled at 6 PM Monday.
• Major realignment aimed at stabilizing the government ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

Stay tuned for more updates as the political landscape in Tamil Nadu continues to evolve