In a significant development, Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji has tendered his resignation ahead of his bail plea hearing in the Madras High Court, sources close to the matter revealed. Balaji’s resignation comes amidst mounting legal challenges stemming from his arrest last year in a money laundering case initiated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
The arrest, which occurred on June 14, 2023, stemmed from a cash-for-job case filed by the Central Crime Branch police in Chennai during Balaji’s tenure as the transport minister in the previous AIADMK regime. Since then, Balaji’s legal battles have intensified, with repeated denials of bail from lower courts.
Sources within the ruling DMK party have confirmed Balaji’s resignation, citing the ongoing legal imbroglio surrounding his tenure. Chief Minister MK Stalin reportedly urged Governor TN Ravi to drop Balaji from the cabinet, indicating a growing discomfort within the party over the minister’s legal troubles.
Balaji’s retention in the cabinet by Stalin, initially seen as a show of support, has faced scrutiny from the judiciary. The Madras High Court recently expressed reservations about Balaji’s continued presence in the cabinet, suggesting that political expediency should not outweigh public and constitutional morality.
“Political compulsion cannot outweigh the public morality, requirements of good/clean governance and the Constitutional morality,” remarked a bench led by Chief Justice SV Gangapurwala.
The bail plea hearing scheduled in the Madras High Court marks the second attempt by Balaji to secure his release from custody. His arrest by the ED last year was marked by dramatic scenes, with Balaji being taken into custody following hours of questioning and subsequently hospitalized after complaining of chest pain.
The legal troubles for Balaji do not end with the ED’s actions. The Income Tax Department has also conducted raids in connection with allegations that Balaji accepted bribes between 2011 and 2015 from individuals seeking employment in the state transport department.
As Balaji’s legal battle unfolds, it underscores the challenges faced by politicians entangled in corruption cases and the increasing scrutiny of political appointments in light of legal and ethical considerations. Balaji’s resignation ahead of the bail hearing marks a pivotal moment in his political career, signaling the gravity of the situation and the uncertainties that lie ahead.
Sources By Agencies
