Coimbatore MLA Vanathi Srinivasan criticizes DMK's celebration of Senthil Balaji's release on conditional bail, highlighting the corruption charges and Stalin's contradictory statements about the former minister.
Coimbatore: BJP MLA Vanathi Srinivasan has strongly urged against reappointing Senthil Balaji as a minister following his release on conditional bail after 471 days in custody. In a Facebook post on September 26, the Coimbatore South MLA criticized the DMK's celebration of Balaji's release and highlighted the corruption charges against him.
Vanathi Srinivasan reminded the public that Senthil Balaji was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act for allegedly taking bribes in exchange for government jobs in state transport corporations during his tenure as Transport Minister in the 2011-2016 AIADMK government. She pointed out that Balaji had admitted to accepting bribes in court.
The MLA emphasized that the court has not acquitted Senthil Balaji but only granted him conditional bail with several restrictions. These include prohibitions on meeting witnesses, mandatory appearances at the Enforcement Directorate office twice a week, cooperation with investigations, and restrictions on foreign travel.
Vanathi Srinivasan also highlighted the contradictory statements made by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin regarding Senthil Balaji. She quoted Stalin's earlier accusations against Balaji, including allegations of corruption, land grabbing, and maintaining control over Karur district through his brother. However, she contrasted this with Stalin's recent welcoming statement praising Balaji's "sacrifice" and "determination" upon his release.
The BJP MLA criticized the DMK's portrayal of Senthil Balaji as a "saint" and a "freedom fighter," stating that it was shameful to celebrate someone who had admitted to accepting bribes for government jobs. She concluded by asserting that due to the numerous conditions imposed by the Supreme Court, Senthil Balaji should not be reappointed as a minister.
Vanathi Srinivasan reminded the public that Senthil Balaji was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act for allegedly taking bribes in exchange for government jobs in state transport corporations during his tenure as Transport Minister in the 2011-2016 AIADMK government. She pointed out that Balaji had admitted to accepting bribes in court.
The MLA emphasized that the court has not acquitted Senthil Balaji but only granted him conditional bail with several restrictions. These include prohibitions on meeting witnesses, mandatory appearances at the Enforcement Directorate office twice a week, cooperation with investigations, and restrictions on foreign travel.
Vanathi Srinivasan also highlighted the contradictory statements made by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin regarding Senthil Balaji. She quoted Stalin's earlier accusations against Balaji, including allegations of corruption, land grabbing, and maintaining control over Karur district through his brother. However, she contrasted this with Stalin's recent welcoming statement praising Balaji's "sacrifice" and "determination" upon his release.
The BJP MLA criticized the DMK's portrayal of Senthil Balaji as a "saint" and a "freedom fighter," stating that it was shameful to celebrate someone who had admitted to accepting bribes for government jobs. She concluded by asserting that due to the numerous conditions imposed by the Supreme Court, Senthil Balaji should not be reappointed as a minister.