Tamil Nadu CM Stalin meets Senthil Balaji, says DMK can’t be cowed down by BJP’s intimidation tactics

“It has come to my knowledge that in the pretext of inquiry, Balaji was subjected to physical and mental torture. He is currently in the ICU. After promising to extend full cooperation, what’s the motive of ED to act in this inhuman way? Is it necessary?” Stalin asked.

விசாரணைக்கு முழு ஒத்துழைப்பு தருகிறேன் என்று சொன்ன பிறகும் அமைச்சர் செந்தில் பாலாஜிக்கு நெஞ்சு வலி ஏற்படும் வகையில் சித்ரவதை கொடுத்த அமலாக்கத்துறையின் நோக்கம் என்ன?

வழக்கிற்குத் தேவையான சட்ட நடைமுறைகளை மீறி மனிதநேயமற்ற முறையில் அமலாக்கத்துறை அதிகாரிகள் நடந்து கொண்டிருப்பது… pic.twitter.com/D2EIs5vvWN

— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) June 14, 2023

“The BJP will take revenge on political forces who are against them by misusing the government machinery. I had already said this is the only way they know and they will continue to do this,” he said.

Stalin said, not just him, but leaders across the country have condemned this act of the BJP as they know this is happening everywhere.

Stating that Balaji will deal with the case legally, the chief minister said they will continue to stand in their political stance. “The DMK will not be cowed down by these intimidating tactics by the BJP. People are watching these repressive tactics, they will teach a befitting lesson in the 2024 (Lok Sabha) polls,” he added.

Following his arrest, Balaji complained of chest discomfort and was brought to the hospital around 2.30 am for a check-up. Reportedly, based on his condition, he was shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

As per the latest bulletin issued by the government hospital, Balaji underwent Coronary Angiogram at 10.40 am. “Coronary Angiogram revealed triple vessel disease, for which CABG- Bypass Surgery is advised at the earliest,” the bulletin read.

While speaking to the reporters, the ministers had said ED did not adhere to the procedures and meted out inhuman treatment to him causing him stress.

Senior DMK ministers, including Youth Welfare and Sports Development Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, Health Minister M Subramanian and Public Welfare Department (PWD) Minister E V Velu, and Law Minister S Regupathy were among those who rushed to the Government Multi Speciality Hospital at Omandurar Government Estate but were reportedly not allowed to meet the arrested minister.

They also condemned ED officials for withholding the minister’s health and the nature of his arrest from his family and friends.

According to reports, Senthil Balaji’s wife has moved an urgent habeas corpus petition before the Madras High Court.