Tamil Nadu Govt & Governor Lock Horns Over Dismissal Of State Min

Chennai, June 30: The ongoing friction between the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government and Governor R N Ravi has taken a new turn after the latter unilaterally dismissed V Senthil Balaji from the Council of Ministers on Thursday, deciding hours later to keep the order in abeyance in face of intense criticism.

The State government has decided to challenge the Governor’s action in the Supreme Court even as reports suggest that the Governor is consulting the Attorney General on the matter and his decision was on hold.

Balaji is facing serious criminal proceedings in several cases of corruption, including taking cash for jobs and money laundering,” a Raj Bhawan statement said following the Governor’s dramatic decision.

“Governor doesn't have the right (to dismiss a sitting minister) and we will face this legally," Chief Minister MK Stalin was quoted by news agency PTI as saying.

Senior DMK leader A Saravanan lashed out at the Governor saying he is undermining the constitutional proprietaries in discharging his responsibilities.

The relationship between the Governor and the State government has remained uncordial, marked by disagreements on several issues. The party had also met President Draupadi Murmu, registering its protest against his alleged unconstitutional behaviour.