TN BJP Leader Annamalai Calls for CM Stalin to Dismiss Senthil Balaji After Supreme Court Remarks

Synopsis

K. Annamalai, president of the Tamil Nadu BJP, has urged CM M.K. Stalin to remove V. Senthil Balaji from the Cabinet after critical Supreme Court remarks. The court highlighted the minister's questionable conduct amid serious allegations.

Key Takeaways

K. Annamalai calls for Senthil Balaji's dismissal.
Supreme Court criticizes Balaji's lack of response.
Allegations of misconduct and deception against Balaji.
Concerns over potential witness tampering raised by the Court.
Hearing scheduled for April 9 regarding Balaji's future in office.

Chennai, March 25 (NationPress) The president of the Tamil Nadu BJP, K. Annamalai, has called upon Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to swiftly remove Minister V. Senthil Balaji from the state Cabinet, following critical remarks from the Supreme Court of India. In a statement shared on the social media platform X, Annamalai remarked, "The Hon’ble Supreme Court has criticized the Liquor Minister, who spent nearly a year and a half in prison due to a money laundering case linked to job assurances in the transportation sector. He feigned resignation to secure bail, yet resumed his ministerial duties right after his release. The Court has demanded an explanation for this behavior."

Furthermore, Annamalai noted that on Monday (March 24), the Supreme Court had sharply reprimanded the Minister for not providing a response after the deadline had elapsed.

“Chief Minister Stalin has conveniently overlooked the grave accusations he previously leveled against this Minister while in opposition. Today, he retains him in the Cabinet without shame,” Annamalai asserted.

He emphasized that Senthil Balaji, who allegedly deceived the court to gain bail and misled the Supreme Court, lacks the moral authority to remain in his position and urged the Chief Minister to dismiss him without delay.

Earlier on Monday, the Supreme Court expressed clear frustration at Senthil Balaji’s unwillingness to respond to its inquiry regarding his continuation in office while under trial.

The Court was reviewing a petition aimed at revoking the bail granted to him in September 2024. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the Minister, informed the bench led by Justice A.S. Oka that his client awaited a formal notice from the court before submitting a response.

The apex court indicated shock at the Minister’s demeanor, stating he was treating the Court "as a joke" and cautioned that such behavior would not be accepted.

Nonetheless, the Court provided him one final chance to respond and scheduled the matter for hearing on April 9. Previously, on February 12, the Court had instructed Senthil Balaji to provide a definitive ‘yes’ or ‘no’ regarding his intention to remain in office while facing trial in the cash-for-jobs scandal.

In December 2024, the Court had also expressed strong disapproval of Balaji’s reappointment as a senior minister in the Tamil Nadu Cabinet immediately after being granted bail, commenting: "What is happening here? Serious allegations are against him, yet he is promptly reinstated as a Minister! This must cease. It is reasonable for the public to fear witness tampering."