Sun Sep 29 23:12:09 UTC 2024: ## Tamil Nadu Cabinet Expands: Senthil Balaji Sworn In As Minister, Udhayanidhi Elevated to Deputy CM

**Chennai:** In a significant development, Tamil Nadu’s political landscape saw a reshuffle on Sunday, with the swearing-in of four new ministers and the elevation of Udhayanidhi Stalin to the position of Deputy Chief Minister.

DMK leader V Senthil Balaji, who recently secured bail from the Supreme Court in a money laundering case, was officially sworn in as a minister by Governor RN Ravi at the Raj Bhavan in Chennai. Balaji joins fellow DMK legislators R Rajendran (Salem-North), Govi Chezhiaan (Thiruvidaimarudur), and S M Nasar (Avadi) who also took oath as ministers.

The ceremony was presided over by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, who was accompanied by his son Udhayanidhi Stalin. Notably, Udhayanidhi, who was already serving as a minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development, did not take the oath as he was elevated to the position of Deputy Chief Minister on Saturday.

The appointment of Udhayanidhi as Deputy Chief Minister has sparked criticism from the BJP, who have labelled the DMK and INDIA alliance as “family-run enterprises” and accused them of prioritising personal gains over the nation’s interests.

Meanwhile, the National Cricket Academy (NCA) has found a new home after 24 years, becoming the BCCI Centre of Excellence. The facility boasts state-of-the-art features including three international-quality grounds, 86 decks, and innovative drainage systems.

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