Chennai: The additional portfolio of Finance given to Union Minister of State for Shipping Pon Radhakrishnan is a reward for his commitment, say BJP sources here who also feel that he could have been elevated as Cabinet Minister since he is the lone party MP representing TN in the Parliament.
He was the only leader who got elected as MP during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections and was rewarded as Union Minister of State for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping. Many in the party had expected his elevation during the Cabinet reshuffle.
“I personally feel that he could have been made the Cabinet Minister, as we have no other party MPs from Tamil Nadu and also based on his performance. Nevertheless, the additional portfolio is a huge responsibility for him,” said BJP senior leader M. Chakravarthy.
“His selfless service, integrity and dedication have brought him the additional role,” said BJP state general secretary Vanathi Srinivasan.
The 65-year-old leader, who was a minister in the Vajpayee Cabinet, hails from Kanyakumari district and is a lawyer. He had been the state unit’s president before Dr Tamilisai succeeded him. Ponnar, as he is affectionately called by party members and supporters, has been striving to foster the party in a state dominated by the Dravidian parties.
