DMK sources have claimed that former minister Senthil Balaji has, in recent times, been keeping himself away from the party’s top leadership. The reports come as several cases are said to be pending against him, including allegations linked to transport department job scams, TASMAC liquor procurement irregularities, and an alleged horse-trading attempt involving TVK MLAs.
According to the sources, the party leadership had earlier continued Balaji in the cabinet as a minister without portfolio and accorded him significant importance. They said the accumulation of complaints and the political fallout from controversies centred on him have continued to affect both the party and the government.
The sources further claimed that while reviewing reasons for an electoral setback, the leadership became more aware of issues surrounding Balaji. With repeated complaints raised by senior leaders, his standing with the party leadership is said to have declined.
They also alleged that the DMK did not actively respond to the most recent case related to the alleged horse-trading, leading Balaji and his brother Ashok to believe the party may no longer protect them. As a result, they are said to be seeking proximity with leaders in Delhi to address cases involving central investigative agencies.
DMK sources added that Balaji has been avoiding calls from the party leadership, and even when in Chennai, he reportedly tries to avoid meeting Stalin and Udhayanidhi. His limited engagement in the Assembly and with senior DMK leaders has, they said, left the party leadership unclear about his intentions.
