Ever since an audio clip purportedly attributed to Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan leaked last month, Fort St. George was keen to know what would befall him. In the clip, the person is heard being highly critical of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s family members.
Mr. Rajan sought to clarify that the tape was fabricated and it looked like he would survive the episode. But his continuation in the Cabinet become a subject of intense speculation after a second tape emerged in which a voice resembling Mr. Rajan’s was heard being critical of the DMK party structure.
Instead of dropping him from the Cabinet, Mr. Stalin effected a reshuffle of portfolios and Industries Minister Thangam Thennarasu was made Finance Minister. With this move, Mr. Stalin conveyed the clear message that he will not tolerate anyone who is believed to be shooting his mouth off and damaging the image of the party and the government, but there will always be a space for talent. The Chief Minister decided to dismiss Milk and Dairy Development Minister Avadi S.M. Nasar whose behaviour in public had once caused embarrassment and whose improper handling of Aavin milk production and distribution had attracted criticism.
