The recent arrest of Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case has sparked strong reactions from opposition parties. The DMK, Congress, AAP, and other parties have criticized the BJP-led Centre, accusing it of engaging in “vendetta politics” and misusing probe agencies to target opposition members. The arrest has raised concerns about the alleged harassment and intimidation faced by political rivals.
Opposition Condemns Arrest as Political Harassment
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the arrest of Senthil Balaji, labeling it as “political harassment” against the opposition. Kharge asserted that such actions by the Modi government would not intimidate the opposition, and they would not be silenced by such tactics. The opposition parties view the arrest as an attempt to suppress dissenting voices and disrupt their political activities.
Arrest Details and Response from Political Leaders
Senthil Balaji was arrested after an extensive 18-hour interrogation and multiple searches conducted by the ED in Chennai and Tamil Nadu. The arrest is linked to an alleged money laundering case related to a job racket. Following his arrest, Balaji experienced chest pain and was taken to the Government Multi Super Specialty Hospital for medical attention.
DMK President and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin visited Balaji at the hospital and expressed solidarity with him. He condemned the BJP’s alleged intimidation tactics and assured that the DMK would face the case legally. Stalin accused the ED officials of subjecting Balaji to physical and mental harassment, highlighting their alleged role in his health condition.
AAP, another opposition party, condemned the arrest and termed it as part of a continued attack on India’s opposition. The party criticized the inhumane manner in which Balaji was arrested and expressed concerns about the working methods of the ED. AAP stood in solidarity with Balaji and other opposition leaders who have faced similar targeting by the BJP.
Opposition Demands Action Against BJP Leaders
Supriya Sule from the National Congress Party (NCP) expressed no surprise over the arrest and questioned the lack of action against BJP leaders despite submitting complaints with evidence. Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP, accused the central probe agency of dismissing his complaints against BJP leaders and demanded investigations into their alleged involvement in money laundering cases.
BJP’s Response and Calls for Dismissal
In response to DMK’s allegations, Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai questioned why the chief minister was playing the “victim card.” The BJP urged CM Stalin to refute his previous statements regarding Balaji’s involvement in a jobs-for-cash scam during his tenure with the AIADMK. The Tamil Nadu BJP and AIADMK have called for Balaji’s dismissal from the DMK, emphasizing the need for his cooperation with the probe agency.
The arrest of Tamil Nadu Minister Senthil Balaji has led to a heated exchange between the opposition parties and the BJP-led Centre. The opposition has accused the government of engaging in vendetta politics and misusing probe agencies to target political rivals. Congress, AAP, and other parties have expressed solidarity with Balaji, emphasizing the need to protect democratic values and ensure fair treatment. As the political landscape unfolds, it remains to be seen how these allegations and counter-allegations will impact the future course of action in Tamil Nadu politics.