DMK president and Chief Minister MK Stalin has strongly condemned the arrest of Minister V Senthil Balaji by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), asserting that the DMK party will confront the legal cases against Balaji through proper legal channels and will not succumb to any intimidating tactics.
In a statement, Stalin alleged that Senthil Balaji had been subjected to mental and physical torture, resulting in chest pain and his subsequent admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Omandurar multi-super speciality hospital. Expressing concern for Balaji’s well-being, Chief Minister Stalin, accompanied by his son Udhayanidhi Stalin and senior cabinet colleagues, visited Balaji at the hospital to inquire about his health.
Stalin raised questions about the treatment of Balaji by the ED, particularly highlighting the alleged inhuman manner in which the officials had violated the proper legal procedures during the inquiry. He criticized the ED for subjecting Balaji to unnecessary pressure despite his willingness to cooperate. Stalin characterized the actions of those responsible for the arrest and mistreatment as reflecting a cruel mindset and assured that Balaji would face the legal case in a lawful manner. He also emphasized that the people were observing these repressive tactics and would deliver a fitting response in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Additionally, the chief minister denounced the entry of ED officials into the state secretariat without permission, which houses confidential government files. He accused them of staging a dramatic scene within Senthil Balaji’s chamber under the guise of an inquiry, indicating their attempt to establish a precedent for conducting ED searches within the state secretariat itself.
Given Senthil Balaji’s crucial portfolios that require constant attention, Chief Minister Stalin convened a meeting with senior colleagues and legal experts at his residence to determine the subsequent course of action.
It is likely that one or two senior ministers in the cabinet will assume Balaji’s responsibilities until he overcomes the legal hurdles he currently faces. There is a possibility that Balaji may continue as a minister without a portfolio for a temporary period, depending on the outcome of the legal proceedings.
The strong response from the DMK leadership underscores their commitment to confronting the legal challenges posed by the arrest of Minister Senthil Balaji while emphasizing their determination to resist any form of intimidation.
