In a recent development, Governor RN Ravi has returned a file regarding the reallocation of portfolios for minister V Senthil Balaji, citing an “incorrect” and “misleading” reason provided by the government. Hours later, Chief Minister MK Stalin responded, asserting that the governor does not possess the authority to seek reasons for portfolio changes. The chief minister further emphasized that facing an interrogation should not impact a minister’s continuation in their post, stating that such matters are unrelated. Higher education minister K Ponmudy clarified that, according to the Constitution, the chief minister alone holds discretionary powers to change or reallocate ministerial portfolios. He also deemed the governor’s reference to the Enforcement Directorate’s interrogation of the minister as unnecessary. The chief minister recommended reallocating Senthil Balaji’s portfolios to ministers Thangam Thennarasu and S Muthusamy, with Balaji continuing as a minister without a portfolio until he recovers.
Ponmudy highlighted that the chief minister had deemed the governor’s return of the file, raising unnecessary issues, as interference in government administration and a violation of the Constitution. The chief minister’s response requested the governor’s approval for the recommended portfolio reallocation. The government promptly replied the following day to the governor’s letter, dated May 31, advising the chief minister to drop Senthil Balaji from the council of ministers. The chief minister pointed out that the governor’s letter exceeded constitutional boundaries, as the governor lacks the authority to make recommendations for dropping or appointing ministers. Moreover, the chief minister affirmed that ministers should not be compelled to step down simply because they face cases, citing pending cases against Union Home Minister Amit Shah and 33 other Union ministers. Ponmudy suggested that the governor should first write to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to address these ministers’ cases.
The governor’s return of the portfolio reallocation file has sparked a controversy, raising questions about the extent of the governor’s powers and potential interference in the administration of the government. The clash between the governor and the chief minister highlights the constitutional complexities surrounding the allocation and reshuffling of ministerial portfolios.
