Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has condemned the arrest of Electricity Minister V. Senthilbalaji by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), labeling it as a political vendetta by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Stalin cautioned the BJP, stating that if they continued to provoke the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and its cadre, they would face dire consequences.
Senthilbalaji was apprehended after an extensive 18-hour investigation and search operation by the ED at his office and associated premises in connection with a money laundering case. Following the arrest, he has been remanded in judicial custody until June 28. In a video message, Stalin referred to the history of protests organized by the DMK and emphasized that they were well-versed in politics. He clarified that his words were not a threat but a warning to the BJP.
Stalin asserted that Senthilbalaji had been subjected to unjustifiable torture by the ED, causing him immense mental distress and leading to a serious heart condition. The Chief Minister deemed this incident a blatant display of political vendetta.
While Stalin expressed his support for an inquiry if a case and court order were in place, he questioned the need to treat the Minister like a terrorist by confining him to a room. He highlighted Senthilbalaji’s credentials as an elected member of the Assembly, a five-time MLA, and a two-time Minister who regularly attends public events.
Stalin criticized the ED’s handling of the situation, emphasizing that the Minister cooperated fully during interrogation and even offered to provide clarifications if any documents were seized. The Chief Minister condemned the ED’s apparent haste in questioning Senthilbalaji, suggesting that it indicated an undeclared emergency in the country and accusing the BJP of utilizing the ED for political gain.
