DMK slams BJP over I-T searches in premises of individuals linked to T.N. Minister Senthilbalaji

The DMK in Tamil Nadu alleged the BJP is using central agencies such as the Income Tax department to “avenge” opposition parties, after the premises of people close to TN Minister Senthil Balaji were raided

Following the Income Tax department’s coordinated searches across different locations in Tamil Nadu at individuals linked to state Electricity Minister V. Senthilbalaji, the ruling DMK alleged the BJP is using central agencies such as the I-T to "avenge" opposition parties.

DMK organisation secretary and former MP R.S. Bharathi claimed the searches were a result of the BJP "unable" to digest his party-led government's popularity in Tamil Nadu.

The searches were being held in various cities including Karur and Coimbatore at the premises of individuals linked to the minister, police sources said.

Close relatives of the Minister and some contractors were among those whose premises were being searched by the tax authorities.

Speaking to reporters at Chennai, the Minister denied reports he was also being searched by the authorities and said searches were being held at the premises of his brother, his friends and relatives along with their acquaintances.

"There were no raids in my premises. Even if so, I am ready to face them. Such raids are not new to us as similar action was held during the last phase of the campaigning for the (2021) Assembly polls...In most places where the searches were held, the individuals are already paying tax; they are not tax evaders," he said.

"If someone has done something wrong, please take action. Instead, is it fair to scale the wall and enter the house," he said referring to officials doing so at one of the places.