Inappropriate to link party with I-T raids, says Dy CM O Paneerselvam

Coimbatore: Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister O Paneerselvam on Thursday termed as “inappropriate” allegations seeking to link the ruling AIADMK and a highway contractor, who has come under the Income Tax radar for alleged tax evasion.

It was wrong to link a political party with the raids, since the Income Tax raids were conducted based on tax evasion. Besides, contractors were carrying out their jobs, whichever party ruled the state at different times, he told reporters here.

He was replying to a question about the raids on premises of SPK and Company, a partnership firm engaged in roads and highways construction on contract from the government. The raids had led to IT sleuths seizing over Rs 165 crore cash and 101 kilos of gold over the last four days.

DMK and other opposition parties have been using the I-T raids to target the AIADMK government alleging that it ‘exposed’ corruption in award of tenders and a nexus between the highway contractor and the AIADMK higher-ups. DMK working president M.K. Stalin has been demanding a comprehensive probe by the vigilance police since the raided contractor is related to the Chief Minister.

Brushing aside the opposition charges, OPS said, “Raids are being carried out with regard to tax evasion and linking a political party with it is inappropriate.” The Deputy CM was in Coimbatore for a routine health check up at an Ayurveda Hospital in the city.