The DMK sources said P Thiaga Rajan made the request for dropping his name because of the recent controversies his name had been dragged into. (Source: Twitter/@ptrmadurai)
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Removal of Palanivel Thiaga Rajan’s name from DMK speakers’ list triggers speculation
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Tamil Nadu finance minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan’s (PTR) name suddenly went missing from the list of speakers at DMK events organised in district headquarters and major towns across the state on Sunday, triggering speculation about internal party changes.
However, when asked about the change, senior DMK sources told The Indian Express that Rajan himself requested the removal of his name from the list.
Rajan’s name was there on the initial list of speakers prepared by the DMK headquarters for a series of events planned on the weekend to mark the party’s two years in power. Rajan was scheduled to speak in his hometown, Madurai, along with other ministers. On Sunday, when the party’s organ, Murasoli, published the final list of speakers, Rajan’s name was absent.
The DMK sources said Rajan made the request for dropping his name because of the recent controversies his name had been dragged into, believing it would be better for him to avoid public speeches. The party leadership agreed to his request, the sources added.
Rajan, a key minister in the DMK Cabinet, was embroiled in a controversy last month after two audio clips, allegedly featuring his voice, were leaked by a Chennai-based whistle-blower and BJP state unit president K Annamalai. The audio clips suggested corruption within Chief Minister M K Stalin’s family. Rajan subsequently issued a statement denouncing the audio as fake and artificially created.
Days after the audio leak, income tax personnel had raided G-Square, a real estate company with alleged links to the Stalin family.
The Indian Express had reported on May 3 that Rajan may be relieved of his finance minister portfolio in a Cabinet reshuffle expected to be announced before May 20.
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A senior DMK leader said by restructuring his Cabinet, Stalin would send out a clear message that “nobody should think that they will be ministers forever”.
However, contrary to speculation, the embattled Rajan is unlikely to face the axe even though his portfolio will be downgraded, sources said. “Stalin may thus give him (PTR) a chance,” the party insider explained, indicating a possible portfolio change for PTR instead of ouster from the Cabinet.
Arun Janardhanan is the experienced and authoritative Tamil Nadu Correspondent for The Indian Express, a leading national daily newspaper. Based in the state, his work focuses on providing deep, ground-level coverage of Tamil Nadu’s complex political, judicial, and cultural landscape, establishing his high degree of Expertise and Authority in this critical region.
Expertise
Geographic Focus: As the Tamil Nadu Correspondent, Mr. Janardhanan covers the state comprehensively, offering readers localized insights into major political shifts and social issues.
Key Coverage Areas: His recent reporting demonstrates in-depth knowledge across several vital beats:
State Politics and Governance: Detailed coverage of the DMK and AIADMK, the rise of new political entrants like actor Vijay’s TVK, internal party dynamics, and federal issues involving the Governor and the Centre.
Legal and Judicial Matters: In-depth reporting on high-profile Madras High Court cases, particularly those involving religious and cultural disputes (e.g., the Madurai temple-dargah row) and legal actions against officials.
Culture and Social Issues: Reporting on the activities of cultural outfits (e.g., Hindu Munnani) and debates surrounding language and cultural priorities.
Disaster and Crisis Reporting: Timely updates on natural calamities like cyclones and their impact on the state, such as the prolonged rains in Chennai. ... Read More
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