CHENNAI: DMK president M K Stalin on Monday criticized the Centre for carrying out searches at the house and other premises owned by party treasurer S Duraimurugan in Vellore district. A few days ago, Rs 15 crore was taken in custody from a contractor called Sabesan, said Stalin, as he spoke at a public meeting in Arakkonam constituency. But there is no word from any agency as to what is the follow-up action in that case. "The BJP has received an intelligence report saying it will be defeated in the coming Lok Sabha elections. Since they are scared of the electoral result, they are unleashing income tax officials against the DMK to prevent party workers from carrying out election work," said Stalin.

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After being silent for the past 5 years, why is the income tax department searching a DMK senior leader’s residence and his son’s college and school, asked Stalin. "Duraimurugan has said he is ready to appear before any court in this issue. We are not afraid. Nobody can threaten us," said Stalin. Meanwhile, Stalin repeated that his party is not against Hinduism or any other religion. "The DMK is not against believers. Even my wife goes to temple daily," he said.

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