In a dramatic turn of events, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Tamil Nadu Power and Excise Minister V Senthil Balaji after conducting extensive searches at premises linked to him. The arrest came in connection with a money laundering case related to a cash-for-jobs scam, and the minister faced a long session of questioning under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The ED initiated its raids precisely 24 hours prior at the minister's residence, where he happened to be present. At approximately 1:30 am, the probe agency informed him of his impending arrest, causing the minister to complain of severe chest pain. Subsequently, he was swiftly transferred to the Omandurar government hospital in Chennai for immediate medical attention.

Outside the hospital, a scene of high drama unfolded as supporters of the DMK leader gathered to protest against the ED's actions. In a moment captured by onlookers, the minister was seen crying in pain while lying in a car, evoking a wave of sympathy from his followers.

As the ambulance whisked him away, his weeping continued, with his supporters vociferously chanting slogans against the ED. Concerns regarding his health led to his transfer to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) as doctors detected irregularities in his ECG readings.

To ensure order, the Rapid Action Force was deployed at the Omandurar government hospital in Chennai, where Senthil Balaji underwent a medical examination. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin rushed to the hospital after the arrest to meet Balaji and express his solidarity. CM Stalin alleged that despite the minister's cooperation with the probe agency, undue pressure was exerted on him, resulting in his distressing chest pain. Outside the hospital, DMK workers raised slogans against Governor RN Ravi, adding to the charged atmosphere.

"Will fight legally"

Senthil Balaji's lawyer and DMK leader NR Elango, speaking to India Today, called the arrest "totally illegal and unconstitutional." He expressed the intention to fight the arrest through legal means, emphasizing the unconstitutionality of the entire episode.

Other Tamil Nadu ministers, including I. Periyasamy, Ponmudi, Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, and R. Gandhi, also arrived at the Omandurar government hospital to extend their support to Minister Senthil Balaji.

DMK minister Udhayanidhi Stalin assured the public that Senthil Balaji was receiving appropriate medical treatment. He reaffirmed their commitment to address the situation legally, asserting that they were not afraid of the BJP-led central government's intimidating political tactics.

S Raghupathi, the Tamil Nadu Law Minister, strongly criticized the ED's actions, alleging that Senthil Balaji had been targeted and subjected to continuous questioning for 24 hours. He decried this treatment as a violation of human rights, calling for the ED to be held accountable before the people and the court.

Following the arrest of Senthil Balaji, Chief Minister MK Stalin consulted senior ministers and a legal team at his residence to discuss the situation. The raids conducted by the probe agency garnered strong criticism from Chief Minister M K Stalin and several opposition parties. Stalin condemned the BJP government for allegedly employing central agencies in a politically motivated manner, terming it an insult to cooperative federalism.

State Minister P K Sekar Babu expressed concerns that Senthil Balaji had potentially been subjected to torture, indicating visible signs of distress. While speculations circulated regarding the minister's custody by the ED, there was no official confirmation, leaving DMK advocates visiting the hospital uncertain about the situation.

Tamil Nadu minister Ponmudi, echoing the sentiments of his colleagues, described the arrest as a "revengeful act." He expressed concerns about the Union government's alleged misuse of power against non-BJP state governments, citing instances in West Bengal, Delhi, and Tamil Nadu.

The ED raids targeted Senthil Balaji's residence in Karur and his office at the state secretariat in connection with an alleged money laundering case. The premises of his brother and a close aide in Karur were also raided. The case against Balaji stems from his tenure as the transport minister during the AIADMK-led government from 2011 to 2015, before he transitions to the DMK.

The Supreme Court had earlier granted permission for police and ED investigations into a cash-for-jobs scam involving the DMK leader. Balaji, who had previously been a member of the AIADMK and served as a transport minister in the late Jayalalithaa-led Cabinet, is expected to be presented before a special court, where the agency will seek his custody.

Kharge condemns Arrest

In the aftermath of the arrest of Senthil Balaji by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed strong condemnation. Kharge denounced the late-night arrest as an act of political harassment and vendetta orchestrated by the Modi government against its political adversaries. He characterized the arrest as a blatant attempt to intimidate opposition leaders.

Kharge firmly stated that the arrest of Senthil Balaji was nothing short of a calculated move to silence and undermine those who opposed the ruling government's policies and actions. He emphasized that such brazen tactics would not deter the opposition from continuing their fight for justice and democratic values.

The Congress President's remarks shed light on the perceived motive behind the arrest, suggesting that it was politically motivated rather than a result of legitimate legal concerns. Kharge's strong condemnation indicates that the Congress party views the arrest of Senthil Balaji as an abuse of power by the ruling government and a violation of democratic principles.

In contrast to the Congress party's stance, ministers from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) dismissed the chest pain experienced by the arrested minister as a complete drama. This response from the BJP and AIADMK further intensified the political polarization surrounding the arrest, creating a contentious atmosphere between the ruling and opposition parties.

The differing reactions to the arrest of Senthil Balaji reflect the deep political divisions and ideological clashes within the Indian political landscape. As the controversy surrounding the arrest continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the various political parties will navigate this issue and the potential implications it may have on future political dynamics.

Who is V Senthil Balaji

V. Senthil Balaji, born on October 21, 1975, in the Karur district of Tamil Nadu, has emerged as a prominent figure in Tamil Nadu politics, currently holding the position of Minister for Electricity, Prohibition & Excise in the Government of Tamil Nadu. As a dedicated member of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) party, Balaji has been actively involved in the political landscape of Tamil Nadu since his election as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in 2006.

Balaji's political journey has been marked by a series of successful electoral victories, reflecting the consistent support he enjoys among constituents. His initial election to the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly took place in 2006, representing the Karur constituency. Since then, he has been re-elected in 2011, 2016, and 2021, demonstrating his enduring popularity and strong political standing.

Educated at the Government Arts College in Karur, Balaji holds a degree in Commerce. He embarked on his political career in 1997, initially serving as a local body member. His rise to the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly in 2006 was a significant milestone, allowing him to represent the interests of the Karur constituency.

Notably, Balaji assumed the role of Minister for Transport in the AIADMK government led by the late Jayalalithaa in 2011. However, his tenure in the cabinet faced a setback when he was removed in July 2015. Undeterred by this setback, Balaji sought re-election to the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly in 2016, this time representing the Aravakurichi constituency. Following the untimely demise of Jayalalithaa, Balaji played a crucial role in maintaining the stability of the AIADMK government. During the factional split of the AIADMK in 2017, he aligned himself with the faction led by Edappadi K. Palaniswami, further solidifying his political alliances.

The year 2021 brought another electoral victory for Balaji, as he was re-elected from the Karur constituency. As a testament to his political prowess, Balaji was subsequently appointed as the Minister for Electricity, Prohibition & Excise in the AIADMK government, headed by Palaniswami.

However, Balaji's political career has not been without controversy. Accusations of corruption and abuse of power have been leveled against him, tarnishing his reputation. Additionally, his assertive and outspoken demeanor has drawn criticism from various quarters. Despite these challenges, Balaji has managed to maintain a strong support base among his followers. His unwavering pro-Tamil stance and dedication to the welfare of the people of Tamil Nadu have resonated with many constituents, solidifying his position in the political landscape.

It is important to note that these controversies and allegations against Balaji have generated public discourse and debate, shaping the perception of his political career. The outcomes of these accusations and their impact on Balaji's future in Tamil Nadu politics remain to be seen, as the dynamics of the political landscape continue to evolve.