Sending shockwaves among political circles of Tamil Nadu, the Income Tax officials’ raids into the premises of Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary P Rama Mohana Rao since this early morning have been felt to be connected with the Chief Ministerial ambitions of former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa’s close companion Sasikala.
Incidentally the raids started soon after Chief Minister O Pannerselvam’s return from New Delhi meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Yesterday few ministers and senior AIADMK leaders, known as close associated of Sasikala have openly sought immediate installation of Sasikala as both General Secretary of the party and also as Chief Minister, indicating that Pannerselvam’s days are numbered.
Earlier, immediately after the death of Jayalalithaa, IT teams raided into the premises of Sekhar Reddy, who is also known as close associates of both Sasikala and Chief Secretary Ramamohan Rao. Interestingly Rao was appointed the state’s top bureaucrat in June this year only, when Jayalalithaa was not in a position to presence keen observation on the governance.
Though earlier it was speculated that Shasikala for the time-being would be satisfied with party’s commandership and may attempt to move into Chief Minister’s office only after re-electing to the Assembly from the by-election to be held in R K Nagar, vacated with the death of Jayalalithaa. However, yesterday’s developments indicated her eagerness to become Chief Minister at an earliest.
The searches that began as early as 6 AM are on at various places in the state and neighbouring state of Andhra Pradesh. First they landed at the Anna Nagar residence of chief secretary Rama Mohana Rao before day break. A total of 13 premises are being searched. The premises include connected to Rao’s son and other relatives are part of the operation.
Suspending these raids are politically motivated, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and questioned why they don’t raid Amit Shah and others who were collecting money.
The opposition leader in Tamil Nadu Assembly and DMK treasurer MK Stalin also said the raid against chief secretary Rama Mohana Rao is unprecedented, denting the image of the state. He has called for stringent and transparent action against politicians and officials who are indulging in corrupt practices.
