After dismissing Minister, Governor puts it in abeyance

Governor RN Ravi “dismissed” minister V Senthil Balaji from the council of ministers “with immediate effect” on Thursday and then, some hours and much criticism later, informed chief minister MK Stalin that he wants to “keep in abeyance”.Meanwhile, Chief Minister M K Stalin said the government would challenge legally.Senthilbalaji, who was arrested two weeks ago and is in jail amid criminal proceedings in an alleged cash-for-jobs scandal, had been retained as a minister without portfolio by Stalin, a decision that Governor Ravi had decided to unilaterally override.Late night, sources in the Governor’s office said he was consulting the Attorney General on the matter and the decision was on hold. Balaji will remain minister for now, they said.