CHENNAI: In a sudden decision that sent shockwaves across the DMK, party president and Chief Minister M Karunanidhi on Sunday stripped Minister Durai Murugan of the Public Works portfolio, leaving him in charge of the Law ministry alone.
No official reason has been offered but the move sparked off a flurry of speculations.
The DMK chief normally avoids reshuffling portfolios or taking key decisions regarding the party when the Assembly session is on in order to avoid unnecessary queries from the opposition.
Several reasons are being attributed to the drastic step. One among them, according to sources, is Durai Murugan’s alleged interference in the affairs of the first family of the State. Another possible reason that party insiders cite is Durai Murugan’s reported non-cooperation with his juniors in the cabinet and his penchant to take unilateral decisions on administrative issues, ignoring the advice of top officials.
Some also point out that Durai Murugan, who was considered close to the Chief Minister, was not on the side of the Deputy Chief Minister M K Stalin. Being a senior leader of the party, he never rose from his seat in the Assembly Hall when Stalin entered the House even though the rest of the party MLAs followed the ritual.