The change comes days after a controversy over an audio clip allegedly featuring PTR (file).
Chennai:
Tamil Nadu Minister Palanivel Thiyaga Rajan (PTR) was today relieved of the key portfolio of Finance and Human Resource Management and given the Information Technology Department.
Thangam Thennarasu is the new Finance Minister of the state.
The Industries portfolio held by him was allocated to TRB Raja, a three-time MLA from Mannargudi constituency, who was inducted into the Council of Ministers.
The change comes days after a controversy over a PTR audio clip allegedly containing statements against the chief minister’s family.
In two audio clips, including one released by state BJP chief K Annamalai, PTR is purportedly asked to make some remarks about Stalin’s son Udhayanidhi and son-in-law V Sabarisan, which the finance minister categorically denied.
The minister had denied the allegations and insisted that the clip was digitally altered using advanced technology.
The chief minister had also dismissed as “cheap politics” the PTR audio files, in which the minister was alleged to have made some remarks about the wealth of the DMK’s first family.
This is the first time that MK Stalin has dropped a minister. The change in PTR’s portfolio is seen as a political victory for the BJP despite its negligible presence in the state.
Meanwhile, the involvement of TRB Raja has once again triggered allegations and counter-allegations regarding dynasty politics.
Six DMK leaders’ children are now ministers, including Udhayanidhi Stalin and PTR. Udhayanidhi, the elder son of MK Stalin, was sworn in as a cabinet minister last year.
Refuting the allegation, DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan said, “PTR has got public support, that’s why it keeps winning. Those who work for the people have to be lifted up and given responsibility.”