When Jayalalithaa sacked Ministers even before they moved into their official bungalows

J. Jayalalithaa. File | Photo Credit: K. Ananthan As Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay completes six months in office, some critics have questioned his public silence over controversies involving a few of his Ministers. In the latest row, Deputy Speaker M. Ravishankar has been accused of assaulting a man who complained about unattended civic issues. Although the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rests largely on Mr. Vijay’s charisma and goodwill, critics claim he may be constrained in taking action against errant legislators or Ministers because of the party’s limited numbers in the Assembly. Nonetheless, there has been frequent speculation about a Cabinet reshuffle.Against this backdrop, it would be interesting to revisit how former Chief Minister and AIADMK general secretary Jayalalithaa, who, like Mr. Vijay, ensured her party revolved around her charismatic personality, handled her Ministers, sacking them when warranted. Published - November 11, 2026 06:15 am IST