DMK Youth Wing secretary and Tamil Nadu Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, for the first time, responded to the recent controversies on the purported “leaked audio tapes” of Finance Minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan and the ongoing income tax (I-T) raids in the state.
He said no one could destroy the DMK
When asked about the ongoing I-T raids, Udhayanidhi said that the department was conducting such raids in the usual manner, and that it was nothing new.
“They conduct these sorts of raids every year. Have they (the I-T Department) ever filed an FIR? Have they conducted any trials? Has anyone been convicted as a result of those raids?” he asked.
Related: ‘Desperate attempt by blackmail gang,’ says PTR on ‘leaked’ audio
Guns trained on Annamalai
During an interaction with the reporters in Chennai on Friday, 28 April, he was asked about the apparently “leaked” audio files posted by Annamalai on his social media page.
Udhayanidhi said: “There have been many audio files purportedly featuring Annamalai that have been surfacing (on social media). Have you asked him about them?”
Continuing the interaction with reporters, Udhayanidhi said “They (the BJP) call you and conduct the press conference as if taking classes, instructing you not to ask questions. Then he (Annamalai) told you to come after a week. Did you go there? Have you asked him questions?”
At this point, when reporters replied that Annamalai was in Karnataka, Udhayanidhi said: “So you are asking me questions because I am in Tamil Nadu? Yesterday, they (BJP) insulted the Tamil Thai Vazhthu (state anthem) in front of Annamalai, and you are not asking him questions.”
Also read: EPS seeks central probe into ‘PTR audio clips’
Attacks on DMK
This was the first time Udhayanidhi opened up after the two purported audio tapes of the finance minister, popularly known as PTR, were leaked on social media.
In both the tapes, a voice — allegedly belonging to PTR — spoke about the wealth amassed by Udhayanidhi Stalin and Sabareesan, the son-in-law of Chief Minister MK Stalin.
The finance minister denied that it was his voice in these audio clips, stating that they were “malicious” and “fabricated” — deepfakes.
In his statement, PTR said that the clips were made with the ability to create fabricated and/or machine-generated clips using advanced technology that is easily accessible.
He also said that one should not be surprised to see more audio and even video clips in the coming days and months, with ever-more malicious content.
He also warned that he would be forced to take legal action if the slander crossed the threshold of his tolerance.
PTR also asked why he would say anything about the chief minister’s son or son-in-law Sabareesan, for whom he had high regards
