Properties of C M Ramesh, Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha and Telugu Desam party leader, was raided by Income Tax officials on Friday morning. Search operations were conducted at his houses in Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh and in Hyderabad. Operations were also conducted at his company’s premises in Hyderabad.

Confirming the I-T raids, the MP said it was noting but “a political, vindictive move” by the Modi government as his party left the NDA alliance. “As a TDP Rajya Sabha member and leader, I am also in the forefront fighting for the rights of the people of the State, especially in the matter of setting up a steel plant in my district, Kadapa. That is why I am being targeted,” he said.

He said he had nothing to hide or fear and that he would not be cowed down by such intimidation tactics. The MP, presently in New Delhi, said, “The I-T officials have called me and I have told them that I have no objection, but the due procedure should be followed, especially in Telangana.” He said that he had no faith in officials from Telangana and wanted independent witnesses to be present.

The TDP MP alleged that the BJP and YSR Congress had secretly joined hands in the state and “during the past few days some of the YSR Congress leaders are openly bragging on Telugu TV channels that my houses would be raided. It is noting but political vendetta.”

Ramesh is also a member of the PAC.

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