In a reshuffle prompted by legal challenges and political unrest within the DMK, senior Tamil Nadu ministers V Senthil Balaji and K Ponmudy resigned on Sunday. Governor R N Ravi accepted their resignations after receiving recommendations from Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. This reshuffle, which aimed to demonstrate the DMK government's stability amid growing controversies and legal scrutiny, had been expected following a week of speculation. It followed a Supreme Court order for Balaji to choose between keeping his Cabinet position and protecting his bail in a continued money laundering case. Meanwhile, Ponmudy faced intense criticism from the Madras High Court, as well as within the DMK and beyond, for offensive comments about religious symbols and women. This controversy became a significant political issue for the Stalin administration.

Balaji came back to the Cabinet shortly after the Supreme Court granted him bail last September, following 15 months in prison over an alleged cash-for-jobs scam during his time as Transport Minister in the previous AIADMK government. Upon his return, he was given back his previous portfolios of Electricity and Excise. Although he was seen as a key electoral strategist, particularly in the DMK's 2022 victory in urban local elections, his continued position in the Cabinet became untenable after the Supreme Court's directive on April 24.

Ponmudy, the Forest Minister, who was once considered the sixth-highest in the Cabinet, resigned, marking a significant shift. While his resignation had been anticipated within the party, Balaji's resignation was unavoidable if he wanted to maintain his bail. Senior DMK sources indicated that Balaji may now be assigned to strengthen the party's campaign efforts in the politically vital western region of the state ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, where the party has met tough competition. "Ponmudy’s speech making derogatory references to Shaivite and Vaishnavite symbols was a huge embarrassment. He was immediately removed from the party deputy general secretary post, and the leadership has decided to remove him from the Cabinet too. Balaji’s resignation follows a strong warning from the SC to resign or face the possibility of having his bail revoked in the ongoing money laundering case and the ‘cash-for-jobs scam’,” stated a senior DMK leader.

In a recent reshuffle, Transport Minister S S Sivasankar was given additional responsibility for the Electricity Department. At the same time, Housing and Urban Development Minister S Muthusamy will oversee Prohibition and Excise. R.S. Rajakannappan, previously the Milk and Dairy Development Minister, has been reassigned to Minister for Forests and Khadi, a decision seen as a strategic move to place a competent leader in this critical role. To bring in a new face, former Minister T Mano Thangaraj will be sworn in on Monday at Raj Bhavan. He will take over the Milk and Dairy Development portfolio. Thangaraj, hailing from the southern region, is expected to help the DMK strengthen its support in that part of the state.

The reshuffle also shows the DMK's attempt to maintain control over crucial portfolios, primarily as the state-run liquor retailer, TASMAC, is being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate. With Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu choosing not to take on the Electricity portfolio again due to his workload, the reallocation underscores the government's difficulties as it deals with legal investigations, public controversies, and the ongoing challenge of balancing regional representation.