M K Stalin lauds 'sacrifice', ex-minister V Senthil Balaji likely to return to Tamil Nadu cabinet

CHENNAI: Amid signs that V Senthil Balaji may soon be reinducted into the cabinet, chief minister M K Stalin hailed the former minister on his release on bail after 471 days in prison saying, "Your sacrifice is great! Your resolve greater!"Taking to X, Stalin described Supreme Court as a beacon amid current political tensions and alleged that Enforcement Directorate (ED) was being used to suppress political opponents. He said Senthil Balaji was coming out of prison with renewed strength. "There was no such long jail term even during Emergency. The political conspiracy continued for 15 months," he said.Shortly after being released on bail, Balaji profusely thanked the CM and his son Udhayanidhi. Sporting a 'red and black' shawl presented by supporters, Balaji said the case was false and motivated by political vendetta and that he would face it legally and emerge successful.Multiple sources confirmed to TOI that an announcement on Senthil Balaji's return to the cabinet is expected next week. "Balaji is most likely to be re-inducted. It is, however, unclear if he will retain his original portfolio energy, prohibition and excise," said a senior DMK leader, privy to the developments.