File photo of former telecom minister A Raja.
Coming out strongly in support of his party colleague A Raja, DMK president M Karunanidhi today alleged that the disproportionate assets case had been filed against the former telecom minister out of political vendetta.
"Continuously, steps smacking of political vendetta are being taken against DMK men who were ministers in the UPA government," Mr Karunanidhi said in Chennai, indicating his support for not only Mr Raja but also for his grand nephew Dayanidhi Maran who too is facing CBI action.
The agency had lodged a fresh case against Mr Raja on August 19 for allegedly amassing disproportionate assets worth Rs 27.92 crore during the period of 11 years between 1999 and 2010. Mr Maran is facing alleged illegal telephone exchange and the Aircel-Maxis cases.
"News of CBI raids against Raja appears to be done for political reasons as elections to Assembly are round the corner," Mr Karunanidhi alleged in a statement.
"The development had come when trial in cases against Mr Raja (over the 2G specturm scam) is drawing to a close," he said.
The DMK chief also said Mr Raja called on him today and explained his stand on the DA case and raids.
"I told him to give explanation over this to the appropriate official and to the media tomorrow," he said.
Mr Karunanidhi also claimed that Mr Raja had told him that a CBI investigating officer had told a court that "there was no amassing of wealth as regards Raja and his family."
"It is amusing that the CBI has now filed a new case (DA) against Raja, his family and friends," he said.