What's happening in Tamil Nadu? TN Governor reverses order to dismiss jailed DMK Minister Senthil Balaji
Chennai : In a dramatic late-night turn of events, Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi has reversed the controversial order to dismiss Minister and DMK leader V Senthil Balaji, who is currently in jail and facing charges of money laundering. Sources indicate that the Governor decided to keep the dismissal order on hold until further communication and informed Chief Minister M K Stalin about this decision. It is also reported that Governor RN Ravi will seek the advice of the Attorney General regarding the matter.
This development comes just hours after the Governor had dismissed V Senthil Balaji from the Council of Ministers with immediate effect, citing his involvement in a money laundering case.
Chief Minister M K Stalin wasted no time in criticizing Governor RN Ravi's decision. Speaking to reporters Stalin stated that the Governor does not have the authority to dismiss a sitting minister and emphasized that his government would take legal action in response to this move.
Former Union Minister and Congress leader Manish Tewari also criticized the dismissal of the jailed minister, highlighting the constitutional aspect of the matter. He tweeted, "Article 164 of COI: The Chief Minister shall be appointed by the Governor, and the other Ministers shall be appointed by the Governor on the advice of the Chief Minister... Since Ministers are appointed on the advice of the CM, they can be removed ONLY on the advice of CM. Unconstitutional Gov."
On Thursday, Governor Ravi had dismissed DMK leader and jailed minister Senthil Balaji from the Council of Ministers, citing his involvement in multiple corruption cases, including cash-for-jobs and money laundering.
Balaji was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on June 14 in connection with a cash-for-jobs scam case. Following complaints of chest pains, he was subsequently admitted to a government hospital in Chennai. The Madras High Court had granted him permission to be shifted to a private hospital of his choice on June 15. Earlier this month, the Supreme Court refused to interfere with the Madras High Court's decision and admitted a habeas corpus petition against Balaji's arrest.
