Chennai: Tamil Nadu Congress president K Selvaperunthagai on Monday alleged that officials of the Income Tax Department unlawfully confined him in Sriperumbudur, preventing him from carrying out political duties as Rahul Gandhi arrived in the state for campaigning.

In a post on X, Selvaperunthagai said the action was carried out under the pretext of a search operation and termed it politically motivated.

“As Shri. RahulGandhi Ji arrives in Tamil Nadu today to undertake a crucial election campaign, the Income Tax Department with the hindi speaking officials as, under the pretext of a ‘search’, unlawfully confined me within the Sriperumbudur Assembly Constituency, effectively preventing me from discharging my political duties and engaging with the people. This deliberate action, carried out at a politically sensitive moment, is a clear and calculated attempt to obstruct democratic functioning and weaken the activities of the opposition,” he wrote.

He further alleged that the timing of the action pointed to intimidation rather than enforcement.

“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,” he said.

Calling it a threat to democratic values, he criticised the alleged misuse of institutions.

“Such blatant misuse of authority is an attack on the foundational principles of democracy, where free movement, free speech, and fair political engagement must be protected. When institutions meant to uphold the law are used to serve political ends, it undermines public trust and erodes the integrity of our democratic system,” he added.

He also reaffirmed his stance against what he described as attempts to suppress opposition voices.

“I strongly condemn this politically motivated action and reaffirm my commitment to stand firm against such attempts to suppress democratic voices. No amount of intimidation can deter us from our duty to serve the people and uphold the values of justice, fairness, and democracy,” he said.

Tamil Nadu will go to the polls in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4. The main contest is expected between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance and the NDA led by AIADMK, with the BJP and PMK as allies.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Girish Chodankar also criticised the reported raids, alleging political targeting.

“Income Tax raids on Tamil Nadu leaders are a blatant attempt to intimidate and harass the opposition during elections. But we will not be deterred by such pressure tactics of the BJP. Congress leaders have faced many challenges before, and we will continue to stand firm in our fight for democracy, justice, and the people of Tamil Nadu,” he said.

He further questioned the timing and intent behind the action, linking it to recent political developments.

“Is it the recent setbacks in Parliament that have left the BJP shaken and faceless? Is it because Congress strongly opposed delimitation that would weaken states like Tamil Nadu, and questioned the manner in which the Women’s Reservation Bill was brought forward without wider consensus?” he asked.

“BJP’s actions expose their fear of the growing support for Congress and the rising strength of the Congress-DMK and INDIA alliance,” he added.