Thu Sep 26 12:53:54 UTC 2024: ## Senthil Balaji Set to Return as Tamil Nadu Minister After Supreme Court Bail

**CHENNAI:** V Senthil Balaji, granted bail by the Supreme Court in a money laundering case, is expected to be sworn in as a minister again in the Tamil Nadu government. Balaji, who was forced to resign in February this year after his arrest, is likely to reclaim his former portfolios of electricity, non-conventional energy development, prohibition and excise, and molasses.

The news of Balaji’s potential return follows speculation about a cabinet reshuffle, hinted at by Chief Minister MK Stalin, who said “there will be changes” in the state cabinet. The announcement of the reshuffle is anticipated after Stalin’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Friday.

Expressing his joy over Balaji’s release after 471 days, Stalin took to X (formerly Twitter) to criticize the Enforcement Department’s alleged use as a tool to target political opponents. “The Supreme Court remains the only reprieve,” he stated, adding that “political conspiracies continued for 15 months” to weaken Balaji.

Balaji’s return marks the second instance of a Tamil Nadu minister resuming their position after facing legal challenges. K Ponmudy, the Higher Education Minister, was reinstated after the Supreme Court suspended his conviction and sentence in a disproportionate wealth case.

The development comes after a long and tumultuous period for Balaji, who faced numerous bail rejections during his 15-month detention. The governor’s involvement in the case, including a directive to the chief minister to drop Balaji from the cabinet and the subsequent dismissal of Balaji from the council of ministers, further escalated the situation.

Despite these challenges, Balaji’s return signifies a victory for the ruling DMK party and underlines the potential for political maneuvering in the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

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