'Gross Misuse Of Investigative Agencies': Kharge Slams Centre After TN Minister Taken Into ED Custody

The Congress president that such gross misuse of investigative agencies against political opponents has been the hallmark of the Modi government.

The Congress president said these tactics will not succeed in silencing the Opposition

Source : PTI

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the late-night arrest of Tamil Nadu Electricity Minister V Senthil Balaji by the Enforcement Directorate and called the move a “political vendetta”. The ED arrested Senthil Balaji after raids at the Minister's residence and his office at Secretariat in Chennai. After he was picked up for questioning, the Minister broke down complaining of chest pain and he is currently under treatment at Omandurar Government Hospital in Chennai. 

In a release, Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the late-night arrest of Tamil Nadu Electricity Minister V Senthil Balaji by the ED. He said, “This is nothing but political harassment and vendetta by the Modi Govt. against those opposed to it. None of us in the Opposition will be intimidated by such brazen moves.”

The Congress president that such gross misuse of investigative agencies against political opponents has been the hallmark of the Modi government.

Statement issued by Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge @kharge condemning the blatant misuse of the ED in searching the office of Tamil Nadu Electricity Minister Thiru V. Senthil Balaji. pic.twitter.com/h6o2MzinqN

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) June 13, 2023

Kharge said, "These tactics will not succeed in silencing the Opposition. They only reinforce its determination and resolve to continue its democratic struggle against the anti-people policies of the Modi government."

Congress leader Manickam Tagore said, "(V Senthil Balaji's arrest is) yet another example of the misuse of ED and CBI. It shows the same pattern of intimidation and attack on Opposition parties which are against them (BJP-led central government)." 

Meanwhile, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said, "I condemn the political vendetta by BJP against DMK @arivalayam today. Misuse of central agencies continues. ED raids in Tamil Nadu at office of Minister for Prohibition and Excise at the state secretariat and his official residence are unacceptable. Desperate acts by BJP."