Political Utility Ensures Senthil Balaji Prominent Role in DMK in Poll-Bound TN

Despite quitting the Stalin cabinet, Senthil Balaji's political utility hasn't diminished, and he is likely to get a prominent role in the ruling DMK as the party in-charge of the 'Kongu region', western Tamil Nadu districts, according to party sources.

- M C RAJAN

Along with Forest Minister K Ponmudy, he resigned as Minister for Electricity, Prohibition and Excise as both were facing judicial heat. Consequent to this, Chief Minister MK Stalin has reallocated the portfolios in a minor cabinet rejig on Sunday. While it is sunset years for Ponmudy, who has been stripped of his party post as Deputy General Secretary earlier, the graph continues to be upward for Senthil Balaji, who had to quit following the Supreme Court ultimatum to choose between ministerial office and freedom—cance