Chennai: The Income Tax Department is currently conducting a raid at the residence of Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President K. Selvaperunthagai, following complaints alleging that cash intended for distribution to voters had been stashed there. The raids, which have been ongoing since the morning, have assumed significance as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to campaign today for Tamil Nadu election 2026 to go for polling in just two days on April 23. Today, Leader of Opposoition Rahul Gandhi will address public meetings in Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi.
Selvaperunthagai under IT scanner
Commenting on the matter, Selvaperunthagai posted a detailed statement on his Twitter page, condemning the action as politically motivated.
“At a time when the former Congress President has arrived in Tamil Nadu today to undertake a crucial election campaign, Income Tax officials—comprising Hindi-speaking officers—have illegally confined me within the Sriperumbudur Assembly constituency under the guise of a ‘raid.’ Through this action, they have prevented me from discharging my political duties and from meeting with the people,” he stated.
“This calculated move, executed at a politically critical juncture, is a deliberate attempt to obstruct democratic processes and to cripple the activities of opposition parties. The timing of this raid exposes its true intent—it is not a matter of law enforcement, but rather an act of intimidation,” he added.
As Shri. @RahulGandhi Ji arrives in Tamil Nadu today to undertake a crucial election campaign, the Income Tax Department with the hindi speaking officials as, under the pretext of a ‘search’, unlawfully confined me within the Sriperumbudur Assembly Constituency, effectively…
— Selvaperunthagai K (@SPK_TNCC) April 20, 2026
Allegation of political intimidation
Selvaperunthagai further stated that this reflects a deeply concerning trend wherein the Central Government utilizes its agencies as instruments of political pressure to instill fear among opposition leaders and cadres, to stifle dissent, and to curtail political participation. “The arbitrary misuse of power constitutes a direct assault on the fundamental tenets of democracy. In a democracy where freedom of movement, freedom of speech, and honest political engagement must be safeguarded, the weaponization of law-enforcement institutions for political gain erodes public trust and undermines the integrity of our democratic framework. I strongly condemn this politically motivated action.”
Firm Resolve
“I reiterate my firm resolve to stand against such attempts to stifle democratic voices. No form of intimidation can deter us from our duty to serve the people, nor can it make us retreat from upholding the principles of justice, integrity, and democratic values,” Selvaperunthagai concluded.