I-T raid on Jayalalithaa's house: CM EPS expresses sadness, denies his government is involved

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami said last night's Income Tax department raids on the late Jayalalithaa's former residence were "saddening." He also also denied his government's involvement.

"Amma's residence is a temple for all AIADMK cadres and this is happening all because of some people's activities."

Jayalalithaa's Poes Garden residence, Veda Nilayam, was raided on Friday night, close on the heels of I-T raids on properties linked to jailed AIADMK leader VK Sasikala and her family.

The raids on Veda Nilayam shocked AIADMK cadres. Many took to the streets to protest against the BJP and the Narendra Modi government.

TTV FACTION REACTS

"This is a political vendetta against TTV Dhinakaran and Sasikala, who are enjoying a lot of people's (and) cadres' support," said CR Saraswathi, a spokesperson for the small faction of AIADMK leaders who have remained loyal to VK Sasikala and her nephew, TTV Dhinakaran.

"For the last seven months after Sasikala amma's imprisonment, the house has been taken care of by the state government. So why didn't they step in when the raid was conducted?" Saraswathi asked.

TTV Dhinakaran asked where Palaniswami, his deputy O Panneerselvam, and their supporters were during the raids.

"It was only us and our cadres at Poes Garden. This government is only bothered about their positions," he said.

Palaniswami's retort?

"For the last ten years TTV has not been in AIADMK. He is back only after Amma's death," he said at a press meet.

"But I have worked through the ranks in the party for years together. The raids were done on Chinnamma and her family and close associates and the raid in Poes Garden is only a follow up to that. People know who is the reason for this raid."

He added that the Tamil Nadu government had no connection with the I-T raids that were being conducted.

ON THE TAMIL NADU GOVERNOR

Palaniswami also supported Banwarilal Purohit and his attempts to be a part of the governance in the state.

"The Governor was there for an event and him getting involved in a clean campaign or meeting officials is nothing wrong. In fact the governor has gone ahead and appreciated the efforts of the government's initiative in the state," he said.

WATCH | Chennai: I-T raids conducted at Jayalalithaa's residence, TTV camp erupts in fury