Fear of defeat in election cause for raids on DMK: MK Stalin

Hosur: Slamming the BJP and the AIADMK ruling at the Centre and in Tamil Nadu for launching 'raids' on Opposition leaders at poll time, DMK president M K Stalin on Saturday said the 'bullying' action stemmed from "fear of sure defeat in the elections".

"Fear of defeat has gripped them. Now there are raids by Central agencies, including tax sleuths. It happened in Karnataka and now in Durai Murugan's places. We will not be intimidated by all these tactics; we have weathered bigger threats", Stalin said while addressing a large election rally here on Saturday.

"Now CEO (Sahoo) is saying the searches were ordered after the local police reported (cash movement). Do they carry out raids based merely on someone reporting of suspicious movement of money? I can also say now that there is Rs.100 crore of black money in PM's place; will they raid there?" the DMK chief asked.

"I have been repeatedly speaking about the Kodanad heist and murder; Sayan (allegedly involved in that crime) had himself revealed it. Why was CM Palaniswami's house not raided? They dare not do that, they have no guts. But they are raiding us out of fear of defeat", Stalin said.

He reiterated that while the AIADMK and BJP have "nothing to boast about by way of achievements delivered promises", the DMK and Congress have much to show while seeking the voters' support in the April 18 polls.

He listed out the various poll promises implemented by his late father M Karunanidhi as soon as he assumed power (2009), such as the waiver of farm loans to the tune of Rs 7,000 crore.

The DMK manifesto now promises a slew of welfare measures-such as waiver of student loans and ten million road workers jobs for educated youth-and development projects, Stalin reminded.