On June 29, 2023, V Senthil Balaji, a minister in the DMK government, was dismissed from the Council of Ministers by Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi. The dismissal was due to corruption charges. However, later in the day, the Governor put the dismissal order on hold until further communication.
The Governor’s decision was based on a report from the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). The report revealed that Tamil Nadu minister Balaji had accepted bribes in exchange for government job allocations. The ACB also filed a charge sheet against Balaji in a special court in Chennai.
The DMK government challenged the Governor’s decision in the Madras High Court. However, the court refused to stay the dismissal order and requested a counter-affidavit from the government.
The Governor’s choice to keep the dismissal order on hold is a temporary measure. It remains uncertain when the Governor will make a final decision on the matter.
Balaji’s dismissal has sparked a political drama, raising concerns about the Governor’s relationship with the DMK government. The DMK has accused the Governor of bias and interference in government affairs. The Governor, on the other hand, has denied these allegations.
The coming days will play a crucial role in determining Balaji’s political future. If the Governor upholds the dismissal order, Balaji will be compelled to resign from the Assembly. However, if the Governor reinstates Balaji, it will be a significant victory for the DMK government.
