With Theni MP Raveendranath Kumar, son of Deputy Chief Minister and AIADMK coordinator O Panneerselvam, emerging the only winner in Lok Sabha elections from the AIADMK-BJP alliance, speculation is rife that he will find a place in the Central Cabinet to be formed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a few days.
At the same time, while confirming that a ministerial berth will be offered to the AIADMK by the BJP, sources also said the party’s Rajya Sabha MP, Vaithilingam, would be given a place in the Central Cabinet. Both Panneerselvam and Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami are camped in Delhi. While Vaithilingam has a good rapport with both Panneerselvam and Palaniswami, a senior AIADMK leader said that a cabinet post for AIADMK may help the BJP claim a Rajya Sabha seat from Tamil Nadu too.
When asked about the talk that he could be one of Tamil Nadu’s representatives in the Union Ministry, Raveendranath said, "I will accept what my party leadership decides. I will do what my party leadership commands me to do."
Meanwhile, former Union Minister T R Baalu was on Saturdayelected as the DMK Lok Sabha leader. Another former Union Minister A Raja was elected as DMK Whip in theLok Sabha. Kanimozhi will be the the deputy head.
