D Jayakumar given finance portfolio

CHENNAI: In a minor reshuffle of portfolios, Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palanisami on Thursday allotted finance department to fisheries minister D. Jayakumar. Mr Palanisami allotted finance, planning, legislative Assembly, elections and passports, personnel and administrative reforms, personnel and administrative reforms (training) portfolios to Mr Jayakumar.

The Chief Minister himself hitherto held these portfolios. The allotment of finance to Mr Jayakumar was significant since it was speculated before the new government was sworn in that he was planning to join the rival OPS camp. The OPS camp was actively wooing Mr Jayakumar to join their side after Mr Panneerselvam raised a banner of revolt against the leadership of V.K. Sasikala.