CHENNAI: Former TNCC chief Su Thirunavukkarasar took strong exception to the I-T raids on the premise of DMK treasurer Duraimurugan, and said the raids were “motivated.”
“The I-T raids on Duraimurugan’s house which came at a time when the State was in the midst of Lok Sabha election, is motivated,” Mr. Thirunavukkarasar, who is contesting from Tiruchy, said. He also sought of the officials similar raids on the premises of State Ministers.
Meanwhile, VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan who is contesting from Chidambaram, also questioned the timing of the raids and contended that the searches were conducted with “ulterior motive.”
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Union Minister of State for Finance and Shipping Pon Radhakrishnan said it was not appropriate to condemn the action of the election commission authorities to initiate steps to prevent the distribution of money.
“If the officials prevent the distribution of cash for votes, then the opposition alleges that we are afraid of defeat at the hustings. Distribution of money is rampant and the Congress has invested huge sums in Kanyakumari to win the election. This should also be taken into account,” Mr. Radhakrishnan said. The Central Minister who is seeking reelection from Kanyakumari said it was the duty of the Election Commission to thwart the attempts to bribe the voters and ensure free and fair poll. On Saturday, the Income Tax sleuths conducted searches at the premises of Duraimurugan in Vellore district near here over suspected use of unaccounted money for electioneering and seized `10 lakh of alleged “excess” cash. Duraimurugan however alleged that the raids were a “conspiracy” by some political leaders who could not face them in the electoral arena.
