Ponmudi and Wife Sentenced to Prison for Embezzlement, Ministerial Post Vacant
By: [Reporter’s Name]
Former Minister Ponmudi and his wife have been sentenced to three years in prison after being found guilty of embezzlement. As a result, Ponmudi has lost his post as minister.
Following Ponmudi’s dismissal, senior party leaders have recommended Pallavaram E. Karunanidhi, Rishivanthiyam Vasantham Karthikeyan, and Lalgudi Soundra Pandian from the Wodeyar community as potential candidates to fill the vacant ministerial position.
At the same time, other Ministers such as Anbil Mahesh, Shivashankar, and Gandhi have expressed a desire to pursue higher education. Former minister Nasser has also made an effort to secure a new role within the party.
Chief Minister Stalin was initially uncertain about who should be appointed to assume the post of Minister of Higher Education. However, with the assistance of Danayan, the confusion has been resolved.
Sources familiar with the matter have indicated that all the MLAs in the DMK party began lobbying senior leaders following Ponmudi’s dismissal. Chief Minister Stalin consulted with senior ministers and sought advice from Minister Udayanidhi before making a decision.
Udayanidhi asserted that Raja Kannappan, a member of the Yadava community, would be a suitable candidate to fill the vacant ministerial role. He emphasized that Kannappan’s background and education made him well-suited for the position, and that appointing anyone else would create unnecessary confusion within the party.
Stalin decided to reserve the higher education department for Raja Kannappan based on Udayanidhi’s recommendation, as there were no objections to the proposal.
It was noted that Durga Stalin’s recommendation to appoint Nasser as the Minister of Higher Education was not accepted this time.
In light of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, it is imperative for the DMK to field a strong campaign in southern districts. With the appointment of a new Minister of Higher Education, the party aims to navigate this period of transition smoothly and effectively.
– Our correspondent –