CBI raids: Chidambaram loyalist Ramaswamy asserts BJP 'conspiracy'

Chennai (Tamil Nadu), May 16 (ANI): Asserting that former union minister P. Chidambaram is being falsely targeted, Tamil Nadu Assembly Legislative leader K.R. Ramaswamy on Tuesday accused the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government of being responsible for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) raid at the former's residence. Speaking to the media here from outside Chidambaram's residence, four-time MLA Ramaswamy said, "Nothing can be pinpointed against Chidambaram. I tell you, this is all done by the BJP. BJP is behind these raids. As we all know the CBI works for Modi." Claiming the raids to be a 'politically motivated act', Ramaswamy, who is considered to be a loyalist of Chidambaram, further stated that the CBI is only following the directions given by Prime Minsiter Modi. Meanwhile, Chidambaram has issued a statement over the raid saying that the Centre is using the CBI to target his son. "FIPB approval is granted in hundreds of cases. The five Secretaries who constitute the FIPB, the officials of the FIPB Secretariat and the competent authority in each case are the public officials. There is no allegation against any of them. There is no allegation against me," he said in a statement. Asserting that every case was processed according to law, Chidambaram added that the approval was granted or refused in accordance with the recommendations of the FIBP consisting of five Secretaries to the Government of India. "The government, using the CBI and other agencies, is targeting my son and his friends. The government's aim is to silence my voice and stop me from writing, as it has tried to do in the cases of leaders of Opposition parties, journalists, columnists, NGOs and civil society organizations. All I will say is, I shall continue to speak and write," the senior Congress leader added. Officials from the CBI raided the residence of former union minister P. Chidambaram and his son Karti in Chennai on Tuesday morning. According to reports, the raid may be followed in his native place Karaikudi also. The raids are happening at around 14 different locations in Chennai. The raids are linked to clearances given to INX media, which was once owned by Peter Mukerjea . Karti, who is facing money laundering charges in connection with the Aircel-Maxis deal, has been raided at his offices in the past as well.(ANI)