'Inappropriate' to link political party with IT raids: Dy CM

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister O Paneerselvam today termed as "inappropriate" allegations seeking to link the ruling AIADMK and a highway contractor, who has come under the Income Tax radar for alleged tax evasion.

It was wrong to link a political party with the raids, since the Income Tax raids were conducted based on tax evasion. Besides, contractors were carrying out their jobs, whichever party was ruling, he told reporters here.

He was replying to a question about the raids on premises of SPK and Company, a partnership firm engaged in roads and highways construction on contract from the government, during which over Rs 165 crore cash and 101 kgs of gold had been seized earlier this week.

DMK and other opposition parties had used the I-T raids to target the AIADMK government alleging that it 'exposed' corruption in award of tenders and a nexus between the highway contractor and those linked to the party.

"Raids are being carried out with regard to tax evasion and linking a political party with it is inappropriate," Paneerselvam said.

He was in the city for a routine health check up at an Ayurveda Hospital here.