Published Apr 20, 2026 | 12:07 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 20, 2026 | 12:07 PM
K Selvaperunthagai. (Facebook)
Synopsis: Income Tax officials conducted a search at the residence of Tamil Nadu Congress leader K Selvaperunthagai in Chennai. Selvaperunthagai alleged that officials, including Hindi-speaking personnel, were preventing him from carrying out his political duties and engaging with the public.
Income Tax (IT) officials on Monday, 20 April, conducted a raid at the residence of Tamil Nadu Congress leader K Selvaperunthagai in Chennai, coinciding with Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi’s visit to the state for election campaigning.
In a statement, Selvaperunthagai alleged that officials, including Hindi-speaking personnel, confined him within the Sriperumbudur Assembly constituency under the pretext of a search, preventing him from carrying out his political duties and engaging with the public.
The voting for the Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu will be held on 23 April, and parties should end public campaigning by 21 April.
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Calling the timing of the action “deliberate and politically motivated,” he said the move was aimed at obstructing democratic functioning and weakening Opposition activities during a crucial campaign period.
He further alleged that central agencies are increasingly being used as instruments of political pressure to intimidate opposition leaders, restrict political participation, and create fear among party workers.
Describing the incident as an attack on democratic principles, Selvaperunthagai said such actions undermine free movement, free speech, and fair political engagement, while eroding public trust in institutions.
He condemned the ongoing raid and asserted that he would continue to stand firm against what he termed attempts to suppress democratic voices.
(With inputs from Subash Chandra Bose.)
