Season 2, Episode 1: Senthil Balaji In The News Again

Arrested DMK minister V Senthil Balaji is in the news again. Balaji who was in Puzhal prison since June 13 has once again been admitted to the government-run Stanley Hospital for heart related problems.  After his bail plea was rejected… he went into a shell. But, a few days back he seems to have received some signal that he would be out soon and would get his Electricity portfolio back. Even speculations about why his TASMAC portfolio was kept back were rife ….was it a smokescreen? Political perfidy and daring to use power as front for illegal activity come easily when stakes are high. Is it too much of a coincidence that he suffers another heart event? His long sojourn at Kauvery Hospital after his arrest, an extended medical stay and omertà like gag on him are recalled. His brother Ashok is still “missing and wanted “. But in all this, it is only human to sympathise with Balaji…may be he is paying the price for being a puppet. Maybe he is paying the price for acts of omission. Whatever the case it may be but for now Senthil Balaji is a serial party hopper whose talent as a mover shaker is much sought after. He is willing to take risks but it’s his health which is letting him down.