Tamil Nadu governor RN Ravi has dismissed minister Senthil Balaji from the council of ministers. However, the governor decided to keep the dismissal order in abeyance after facing criticism from various political parties. This move has been considered unprecedented in the political history of modern India. The chief minister MK Stalin has announced that his government will mount a legal challenge against the governor’s action. Non-BJP opposition parties have condemned the governor’s decision as unconstitutional and undemocratic.

According to a press release from Raj Bhavan, Senthil Balaji is currently facing serious criminal proceedings and corruption charges, including the cash-for-job scam and money-laundering. The press release stated that the minister was influencing the investigation and obstructing the due process of law and justice. The governor dismissed Senthil Balaji from the council of ministers on the grounds that his presence would negatively impact the fair investigation and eventually lead to a breakdown of the constitutional machinery in the state.

Senthil Balaji is currently in judicial custody following his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate on June 14. He underwent cardiac surgery at a private hospital in Chennai after being hospitalized.

The governor’s decision to dismiss a minister through a press release has received strong responses from the DMK and its allies, who have stated that governors do not possess unlimited power. Various political leaders have criticized the governor’s action, stating that it resembles that of a person with mental issues and is aimed at creating chaos in Tamil Nadu.

The opposition parties have cited Article 164 of the Constitution, which states that a minister can only be removed on the advice of the chief minister, to challenge the governor’s authority. They have accused the governor of exceeding his role and acting as if he has been granted unlimited powers. However, BJP MLA Vanathi Srinivasan supported the governor’s action, stating that it upholds the rule of law.

The dismissal of a minister by the governor without advice from the chief minister is a significant development in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape. The governor’s decision has sparked outrage and calls for the respect of constitutional norms and democratic principles. The chief minister’s government will pursue a legal challenge to contest the governor’s actions.