The President of India, as advised by the Prime Minister, has accepted the resignation of Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, from the Council of Ministers, with immediate effect, under clause (2) of Article 75 of the Constitution.

Further, as advised by the Prime Minister, the President has directed that –

(i)Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Cabinet Minister, shall be assigned the charge of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, in addition to his existing portfolios; and

(ii)Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, Cabinet Minister, shall be assigned the charge of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, in addition to her existing portfolio.

This release issued at 1145 hrs.