Congress Alleges Unlawful Confinement of Tamil Nadu President by Income Tax Department
The Congress party has leveled serious allegations against the Income Tax department, claiming that its Tamil Nadu president, K Selvaperunthagai, was "unlawfully confined" on Monday. The party asserts this action was deliberately timed to obstruct his political activities as Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi arrived in the state for a crucial election campaign.
Accusations of Blatant Misuse of Central Agencies
In a strongly worded social media post on platform X, Congress condemned the searches as a "blatant misuse" of central investigative agencies. The party accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of systematically intimidating and obstructing opposition leaders in the critical period leading up to polling.
"As LoP Rahul Gandhi arrives in Tamil Nadu to campaign, a shocking incident has unfolded," Congress stated. "K Selvaperunthagai ji, president of the Tamil Nadu PCC, was unlawfully confined in Sriperumbudur by the Income Tax Department under the pretext of a 'search,' preventing him from carrying out his political duties."
The party emphasized that this was not routine enforcement action but rather a calculated political maneuver. "This is a blatant misuse of central agencies by the BJP to intimidate and obstruct Opposition leaders at a crucial moment. Such actions strike at the very heart of democracy," Congress declared.
Selvaperunthagai's Direct Allegations and Context of Raid
Selvaperunthagai himself targeted the BJP directly, characterizing the Income Tax action as "a clear and calculated attempt to obstruct democratic functioning" and weaken opposition activities. He detailed his confinement within the Sriperumbudur Assembly constituency by Hindi-speaking officials from the department.
"As Rahul Gandhi ji arrives in Tamil Nadu today to undertake a crucial election campaign, the Income Tax Department, with Hindi-speaking officials, under the pretext of a 'search', unlawfully confined me," he posted on X. "This deliberate action, carried out at a politically sensitive moment, effectively prevented me from discharging my political duties and engaging with the people."
He further warned about a disturbing pattern of using central agencies as instruments of political pressure. "The timing of this intervention exposes its true intent — not enforcement, but intimidation. It reflects a disturbing pattern of using central agencies as instruments of political pressure to silence dissent, restrict political participation, and create an atmosphere of fear among Opposition leaders and workers," Selvaperunthagai added.
Background of Income Tax Raid and Political Campaign Schedule
The Income Tax department conducted the raid at the Congress leader's residence following specific complaints. These allegations suggested that cash intended for distribution to voters had been stashed at the location, prompting the enforcement action.
Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi's campaign itinerary included visits to key southern districts of Tamil Nadu:
- Kanniyakumari
- Thoothukudi
- Tirunelveli
This marked Gandhi's second visit to the state ahead of the upcoming assembly polls. The high-voltage campaign period is scheduled to conclude at 5 PM on April 21, which will mark the official end of public canvassing activities. Political leaders across parties have lined up their final campaign events across crucial constituencies as the election approaches.
Congress concluded its statement with a stern warning about democratic principles: "Silencing dissent and targeting political opponents through state machinery is unacceptable. India's democracy cannot be reduced to intimidation and coercion. The people are watching, and they will respond."
