Stalin Accuses BJP Of Using IT Raid To Disrupt Opposition Campaign In Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Monday strongly criticised an Income Tax (IT) department search conducted at the residence of Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K. Selvaperunthagai, alleging that the operation was politically motivated and aimed at disrupting the Opposition’s election campaign ahead of the state Assembly polls.

In a post on social media platform X, Chief Minister Stalin accused the BJP-led Central government of using central agencies to pressure Opposition leaders during a crucial phase of campaigning. He said the timing of the raid, coming with less than 48 hours left before the end of the campaign, reflected an attempt to influence the electoral process. Stalin asserted that such actions would be firmly rejected by the people of Tamil Nadu at the ballot box.

The Income Tax search was carried out on Monday morning at Selvaperunthagai’s residence in Kilpauk, Chennai. According to officials, the operation was part of an ongoing investigation, though no detailed public statement has been issued by the IT department regarding the specific allegations under scrutiny.

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Selvaperunthagai, who is contesting from the Sriperumbudur Assembly constituency, claimed that he was effectively detained during the search. In his social media post, he alleged that officials prevented him from moving freely and said that the operation involved personnel who did not speak Tamil, raising concerns in his statement about the conduct of the raid.

The Congress leader described the action as unlawful detention under the pretext of an income tax search. His allegations have added to the political controversy surrounding the timing of the operation, which comes during the final phase of an already high-stakes election campaign in Tamil Nadu.

The development has triggered strong reactions from Opposition parties in the state, who have accused the Central government of misusing investigative agencies to target political opponents. The issue has further intensified political tensions as campaigning nears its conclusion ahead of polling.

The incident also gains significance as senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is currently in Tamil Nadu participating in election-related activities. Opposition leaders argue that the timing of such enforcement actions during active campaigning raises concerns about fairness in the electoral process. As the political confrontation escalates, the controversy is expected to further heighten tensions in the state’s election environment, where parties are making final appeals to voters ahead of polling day.

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