Tamil Nadu: CM Stalin reshuffles cabinet again, aims to reset narrative

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has undertaken a second cabinet reshuffle within two weeks, aiming to contain political fallout and course correct the public narrative ahead of next year's Assembly elections. The move comes amid growing criticism from the opposition and rumblings within the DMK, following allegations of corruption and misgovernance involving senior ministers.

In the latest shake-up on Thursday, Mines and Minerals Minister Murugan was shifted to the Law Ministry, while Law Minister S Regupathy was moved to Natural Resources. The reshuffle followed accusations by the opposition that Murugan was facilitating the illegal transfer of the state's natural resources to other states and was involved in corrupt practices. Murugan defended himself, pointing to irregularities during the AIADMK regime, but the damage had already been done. Sources say Stalin felt compelled to act swiftly to prevent further erosion of the government's image.

DMK insiders told ET that Stalin is likely to continue making changes-both in the cabinet and within the party's organisational structure-in a bid to project a clean and responsive image.