Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji resigns following a Supreme Court warning, choosing between his apolitical position and freedom amid a money laundering case.
Chennai: V Senthil Balaji, a prominent leader from the DMK party, has resigned from the state Cabinet after being in a position without a specific portfolio for several months. This move comes after his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and a series of legal challenges surrounding his involvement in a cash-for-jobs scam. Balaji’s resignation was accepted by Tamil Nadu’s Governor, R N Ravi, as stated in a Raj Bhavan release.
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The release mentioned that,
“Governor Ravi, who had earlier opposed the continuance of Balaji in the Cabinet, has accepted Stalin’s recommendation in this connection.”
The decision was based on a letter from Chief Minister MK Stalin dated February 12, which recommended that Balaji’s resignation be accepted.
Following this,
“the Governor has approved the recommendation and accepted the resignation of Thiru V Senthil Balaji, Minister, from the Council.”
V Senthil Balaji, who represents Karur, had been arrested on June 14, 2023, by the Enforcement Directorate. His arrest was related to his involvement in a cash-for-jobs scam, which took place during his time as the Transport Minister in a previous AIADMK government. Currently, Balaji is in Puzhal prison, as he has been unable to secure bail despite multiple attempts.
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the Raj Bhavan release highlighted,
“His multiple bail petitions have been dismissed by the courts so far,”
In a related legal development, the Supreme Court issued a stern warning to Balaji in connection with a money laundering case.
The court told him to choose between his ministerial post and his freedom, stating,
“Balaji to choose between his ‘post and freedom’ and warned him of cancelling bail if he did not step down as minister.”
This warning prompted the resignation, marking a significant turn in Balaji’s political and legal career.
This resignation is seen as a direct consequence of the legal pressure on Balaji, as well as the Supreme Court’s strong remarks, which have left little room for him to continue in the Cabinet while facing serious charges.
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The unfolding legal battle and the consequences of this resignation will continue to make headlines as Balaji’s case progresses in the courts.
As this situation evolves, it reflects the ongoing legal and political challenges that leaders in power face when entangled in corruption and money laundering cases.
The resignation of V Senthil Balaji marks a key moment in Tamil Nadu politics, where legal and political considerations are coming into sharp focus, and the pressures from the judiciary continue to shape political decisions.
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