The Income Tax Department conducted raids, on Saturday morning, at the houses of Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav's close aides, including SP national secretary and spokesperson Rajeev Rai.
Akhilesh Yadav has termed these raids "BJP's intimidation tactics before the elections." "As the BJP's fear of defeat increases, the round of raids on the Opposition will also increase," he said.
"This is an old tactic used by the Congress, which is now being followed by the BJP. These institutions have been used to intimidate people, and today, the BJP is doing the same thing, because they have no new ways," the SP chief said.
"Now, the I-T Department has come. Soon, the ED and CBI will follow. Conspiracies will be hatched and rumours will be spread, but nothing will slow down the pace of the cycle and the rath (chariot)."Akhilesh Yadav, Samajwadi Party Chief
"As the BJP's fear of defeat intensifies, so will the raids on the Opposition. But nothing will stop SP's chariot. All programmes will go on as planned," said Akhilesh Yadav in a tweet.
"Now, the people stand entirely against the BJP and with the Opposition. Will the BJP also raid the homes of 22 crore people of UP for (the elections in) 2022," he asked.
Raids have been going on since 7 am on Saturday at Rai's residence in Shahadatpura, Uttar Pradesh, say reports.
"This is the I-T Department. I've no criminal background or black money. I help people, and the government didn't like it. This is a result of that. If you do anything, they'll make a video and register an FIR. You'll fight a case unnecessarily. There is no use, so let the procedure get completed," Rai told ANI.
"Rajeev Rai has been raided. Why now, right before the elections? They should have taken this action when the details were submitted," said Akhilesh Yadav.
The I-T Department also raided the residence of Manoj Yadav in Mainpuri. Yadav is the group promotor of RCL and Akhilesh Yadav's close aide. The tax department arrived at his house with a convoy of 12 vehicles, say reports.
Meanwhile, BJP leader Shant Prakash Jatav said, "Perceiving I-T raids as oppression is laughable. The I-T Department is doing its job."
Raids are also being conducted at the houses of several other people who are said to be associates of Akhilesh Yadav, including Jainendra Yadav.
(Inputs from ANI.)
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