Chennai: A reshuffle in the Tamil Nadu cabinet is likely soon, with Chief Minister Vijay said to be considering changes after a review of the government’s first 100 days in office.
The ruling T.Ve.K. formed the government with the support of the Congress, VCK, Muslim League, CPI and CPM after winning 108 Assembly seats without securing a clear majority. The cabinet currently has 35 members including the Chief Minister, with two ministers from the Congress and one each from the VCK and the Muslim League.
According to sources, the Chief Minister received assessment reports from his advisers John Arokiyasamy and Vishnu Reddy, covering ministers’ work in their departments, meetings with officials, constituency activities and their conduct with party workers.
Secretariat sources said that while the Chief Minister gave significant opportunities to younger leaders, the performance of some ministers has not been satisfactory, based on feedback received through departmental secretaries. There were also complaints that some ministers did not respect even party functionaries who worked for their electoral victories.
The reshuffle is expected after the Assembly session ends. Sources indicated that one coalition minister’s portfolio may be changed, three T.Ve.K. ministers—including a woman minister—could be removed, and another minister’s portfolio may be altered after he reportedly sought a smaller department. The reports have left several ministers anxious, sources added.
