Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai on Sunday took a swipe at Tamil Nadu Congress Committee chief Selva Perundhagai, accusing him of getting “caught” after offering what he called a childish excuse.
In a statement, Annamalai said Perundhagai had earlier translated Rahul Gandhi’s English speech into Tamil at a public meeting, but the translation allegedly included remarks unrelated to what Rahul Gandhi had said. He claimed Rahul Gandhi later came to know of this and, according to Annamalai, had directed that Perundhagai should not be allowed near his meetings.
Annamalai further alleged that Perundhagai, fearing embarrassment if it became known he was not invited to Rahul Gandhi’s meeting on Sunday, claimed on Saturday morning that an Income Tax search was being conducted at his residence and that he was being confined inside.
He said the Income Tax Department later clarified that the claim of a search was false, and argued that Perundhagai’s subsequent appearance outside to address the media further undermined his version. Annamalai also criticised Chief Minister M.K. Stalin for reacting to the claim without verifying facts, calling it a sign of political anxiety.
