Governor's Decision to Remove Minister Senthil Balaji Sparks Legal Battle in Tamil Nadu
In an official statement, Raj Bhavan expressed concerns that Balaji's presence in the Council of Ministers could negatively impact the legal process, including a fair investigation, potentially leading to a breakdown of the state's Constitutional machinery. The release stated that Balaji is facing serious criminal charges related to corruption, such as accepting money for job placements and money laundering. It further accused him of misusing his position as a minister to influence investigations and obstruct justice. As a result, Governor Ravi has immediately dismissed Balaji from the Council of Ministers.
Chief Minister M K Stalin responded to the development by asserting that Governor Ravi lacks the authority to dismiss a minister from the Cabinet. He stated that the government would address the issue through legal means.
Support for the ruling DMK party and condemnation of the Governor's actions came from its allies, including Left parties.
Political analyst Durai Karuna noted that it is traditionally the chief minister's prerogative to appoint or remove ministers from the Cabinet. He highlighted that such a move by the Governor, without the chief minister's recommendation, is unprecedented in the past few decades.
Governor Ravi's decision, which is highly unusual, is likely to escalate the ongoing power struggle between him and the DMK government on various matters, including pending bills awaiting the Governor's approval.
Following Balaji's arrest on June 14, the government retained him as a minister without portfolio, while his responsibilities were assigned to Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu (Electricity) and Housing Minister Muthusamy (Excise).
Balaji is currently in judicial custody, facing investigation by the Enforcement Directorate in a criminal case. The state police are also investigating several other criminal cases against him under the Prevention of Corruption Act and IPC. After his arrest, Balaji complained of chest pain and was admitted to a government hospital. He later underwent bypass surgery at a private hospital.
On May 31, the Governor had written a letter to the Chief Minister, urging the removal of Senthil Balaji from the Cabinet. The next day, Stalin responded with a detailed reply. Initially, Ravi returned the file related to portfolio reallocation to the government, but eventually gave consent to the proposal.
