EPS drops IT minister; asserts authority

Effecting the first re-jig in the Cabinet after the death of former chief minister J Jayalalithaa, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Wednesday removed Information Technology Minister Dr M Manikandan from the ministerial post.

Governor Banwarilal Purohit removed Manikandan, who represents Ramanathapuram constituency, on the recommendation from Palaniswami.

Revenue Minister R B Udhayakumar will hold an additional charge of IT, Purohit said in a statement.

Senior leader K A Sengottaiyan was the only addition to the Cabinet after ‘MaFoi’ K Pandiarajan sided with O Panneerselvam, who had rebelled against V K Sasikala.