In a significant turn of events, Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji has tendered his resignation from the state cabinet. This move comes just days before the Madras High Court is scheduled to review his bail plea amid ongoing legal battles.
Senthil Balaji’s resignation, announced on Monday, marks a pivotal moment in a saga that began eight months ago with his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case linked to an alleged cash-for-jobs scam.
The Raj Bhavan confirmed the acceptance and approval of Senthil Balaji’s resignation by Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi in a statement issued on Tuesday, signaling the end of his tenure as a minister in the state cabinet.
The timing of Balaji’s resignation aligns with the imminent review of his bail plea, adding layers of intrigue to an already complex legal and political landscape. His prolonged incarceration, spanning over 230 days, has raised questions about his continued role as a minister while facing serious legal charges.
During previous court proceedings, the Madras High Court had expressed concerns over Balaji’s tenure as a minister despite his prolonged detention, remarking that such a scenario did not reflect well on the state’s governance.
The legal troubles plaguing Senthil Balaji trace back to his tenure as Transport Minister from 2011 to 2015 under the government of the late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa. Allegations surfaced suggesting his involvement in a scheme offering jobs in exchange for monetary gains.
The case against Balaji has seen extensive judicial scrutiny, with the Supreme Court intervening after his petition challenging the arrest. The apex court’s intervention followed the Madras High Court’s decision to uphold the arrest and grant police custody to the ED, which is probing the money laundering aspects of the job scam.
Balaji’s arrest in June last year initially led to his dismissal from the cabinet by Governor RN Ravi, a decision later placed “in abeyance.” However, recent developments prompted the embattled minister to resign, reflecting a shift in political dynamics as Chief Minister MK Stalin and the ruling DMK party confront mounting pressure.
As the legal saga unfolds, Senthil Balaji’s resignation marks a significant chapter in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, underscoring the intricate interplay between law, governance, and public accountability.
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