IT raids on Kanimozhi: P Chidambaram accuses IT Dept of being ‘partial’

In a series of tweets, Chidambaram said, "The news is that nothing was found during searches in her (Kanimozhi) residence."

Charging the IT authorities of adopting a ‘partial’ attitude, Chidambaram said,’’How is it that a tip-off on opposition leaders alone is received (by officials).’’

"The marker of the 2019 Parliamentary elections in Tamil Nadu are the Income Tax department's autocratic and partial steps,’’ Chidambaram tweeted.

Election officials on Tuesday carried out searches at the residence of DMK leader Kanimozhi in Tuticorin in south Tamil Nadu from where she is contesting.

Authorities conducted a search at a store in Theni Lok Sabha constituency on Tuesday night following inputs about suspected cash.

During the search, police had to open fire in the air to disperse supporters of the TTV Dhinakaran-led Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK).

Cash to the tune of Rs 1.48 crore allegedly stashed to bribe voters was seized. The store was believed to be run by a supporter of the (AMMK).

Tamil Nadu goes to polls on April 18.

Congress and other opposition parties have also criticised the raids ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu.

Leaders of Congress and CPI(M) said that the ‘misuse of government agencies by Modi government is a clear sign of desperation.

“Hounding Opposition leaders through motivated IT Raids is the only tool left with Modiji! BJP has four allies- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Enforcement Directorate and Income Tax to fight these elections”, said AICC communication in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala and added that “people of India are seeing through this, they will give a befitting reply to BJP on May 23!”.

DMK chief Stalin and Ms Kanimozhi responded that the raids were ‘undemocratic’ and added that BJP is doing this (raids) as they fear losing.

"Crores and crores of rupees are kept in the house of Tamilisai Soundararajan's (state BJP chief) residence, why no raids there? Modi is using IT, CBI, judiciary and now Election Commission to interfere in the elections”, Mr Stalin responded.