Back from successful US trip, Stalin confirms Cabinet reshuffle plan

CHENNAI: The message was indirect, but the meaning, many here say, is unambiguous: Chief Minister MK Stalin is preparing to rejig the State Cabinet by shuffling the portfolio of some of the ministers – and perhaps even boot out some of the incumbents to bring in fresh faces.

Fresh from the success of the business trip to the United States, Stalin addressed the media at the Chennai airport on Saturday morning, during which he was asked about the comment he had made prior to leaving for the US that change was the only constant. Stalin had said this in response to a question about strong speculations making the rounds that a reshuffle was on the cards.

Reminded about his comment and asked if there would definitely be a reshuffle in the State Cabinet now that he was back, Stalin, surrounded by his anxious Cabinet colleagues, said, "The DMK is the kind of party which does what it says. We will do what we say. As the party prepares to celebrate its 75th anniversary during the Mupperum Vizha, I am confident that the situation you (media) expect will come about."

Ahead of Stalin’s business trip to the US, expectations were high that there would be a major reshuffle in the State Cabinet, mainly his son and Youth Welfare and Sports Development Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin being elevated to the office of Deputy Chief Minister. However, the excitement briefly died down after it was reportedly deferred.

However, Stalin, who is also the DMK president, kept his party leaders – mainly his ministers – guessing by commenting prior to the US trip that change was the only constant, a comment seen as an indication of his willingness to change the portfolios of some ministers and even sack a few of them.