O Panneerselvam takes charge of portfolios of Chief Minister Jayalalithaa

He has earlier served as interim Chief Minister of the State twice

O Panneerselvam, Finance Minister of Tamil Nadu has taken over the charge of portfolios so far handled by Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, who has been hospitalised since September 22. Panneerselvam has earlier served as interim Chief Minister of the State twice.

The decision to reallocate Jayalalithaa's portfolio to Panneerselvam was issued by the State governor C Vidyasagar Rao from Raj Bhavan on Tuesday, announcing that he will continue to take charge of these subjects until Jayalalithaa resumes her duties.

On Thursday, some of the ministers have also conducted review meetings in their respective ministries, according to sources. Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Udumalai K Radhakrishnan, has conducted review meeting in his department and took stock of the implementation of various measures of the government. Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, R Kamaraj also held review meeting today, informed government officials.

 

On Thursday, the subjects which were so far dealt with by Jayalalithaa has been listed under the portfolio of O Panneerselvam, according to the government website. These include General Administration, District Revenue Officers, Police and Home, Public, Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service and others.

Panneerselvam will now discharge the responsibilities related to these subjects, in addition to his existing portfolio. He was present in his office on Thursday, according to officials.

The decision to allocate the responsibilities to him came after questions about who runs the government came from various corners, after the Chief Minister was admitted in Apollo Hospital on September 22 and has been under observation and treatment continuously.

It may be noted that this is the third time Panneerselvam is taking charge of the responsibilities of the Chief Minister. Twice earlier, the responsibilities were bestowed on him after Jayalalithaa was disqualified to hold the position following orders from the Court.

A Raj Bhavan release said on Tuesday that under Clause (3) of Article 166 of the Constitution of India, the governor allocated the subjects hitherto dealt with by Jayalalithaa to Panneerselvam. He will also preside over the Cabinet meetings. This arrangement has been made according to the advice of the CM and will continue until Jayalalithaa resumes her duties.