Chennai, June 27:
Film producer Venkata Narayana, who backed Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s Jana Nayagan, has been appointed as the Tamil Nadu government’s Special Representative in New Delhi, a Cabinet-rank post responsible for representing the state’s interests before the Union government.
The position carries the status and privileges of a Cabinet Minister, with an initial tenure of one year, though it is likely to be extended in line with the tenure of the ruling TVK government. The role involves coordinating with the Centre, pushing key state demands, and facilitating approvals and funding for major projects.
The appointment has drawn criticism from sections of the opposition, who have questioned the choice of a film producer closely associated with the Chief Minister, while also pointing out that Venkata Narayana hails from Karnataka.