New Delhi: Road Transport and Highways Minister T R Baalu of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) was today (May 25, 2004) given additional portfolio of Shipping Ministry, a Rashtrapati Bhavan communique said.

K Chandrashekhar Rao of TRS, who was originally allotted Shipping, will remain a Cabinet Minister without portfolio, it said.

Minister of State S S Palanimanikkam of DMK has been moved from Commerce and Industry to Finance as demanded by his party.

Minister of State Taslimuddin of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), who was earlier given the portfolio of Heavy Industries, has been shifted to Agriculture, Food and Civil supplies, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution, following reported protests from Minister of State Santosh Mohan Dev who held independent charge of Heavy Industries.

Minister of State E V K Elangovan of Congress has been taken out of Petroleum and Natural Gas and allotted Commerce and Industry.