Topic: Senthil Balaji

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi initially cited DMK leader's arrest by ED as reason for dismissal from council of ministers, but has now decided to seek attorney general's opinion on matter.

Governor R.N. Ravi took the decision barely 5 hours after his initial letter dismissing Balaji as he was ‘facing serious criminal proceedings in a number of cases of corruption, including taking cash for jobs and money laundering’.

DMK said the governor's order dismissing Balaji from the Cabinet was placed under abeyance by the Raj Bhavan within hours, following the home ministry's intervention.

The Raj Bhavan said Balaji 'is facing serious criminal proceedings' in several corruption cases & the governor has dismissed him from Council of Ministers with immediate effect.

MK Stalin-led Tamil Nadu is the 10th state to withdraw 'general consent' for CBI. The agency has over 100 complaints of fraud but can't act on them in the absence of consent to probe from states.

Governor has agreed to reallocate Senthil Balaji's portfolios but disagreed on him continuing as minister since he's 'facing criminal proceedings for moral turpitude', says Raj Bhavan.

On Wednesday, Stalin issued a statement after visiting the hospitalised Balaji, saying ‘DMK will not be intimidated by BJP’s threats.’

Tamil Nadu CM says 'ED officers ignored DMK minister's health condition', adds that those who can't be challenged in electoral politics are intimidated through central agencies.

Senthil was part of coterie that supported Sasikala’s nephew in AIADMK factional fight. After joining DMK, he was credited with its good show in Kongu region in civic polls.

The ED arrested Balaji late Tuesday night on charges of money-laundering. The minister is permitted to stay in a hospital at the moment as he complained of chest pain soon after arrest.