Rao’s claims tarnish Jayalalithaa’s image: Pon Radhakrishnan

Addressing the media in Kanniyakumari, the Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways said that Rama Mohana Rao should have gone to the court if he had issues with the I-T raids and not the media. “His sole intention was to disrupt peace prevailing in the state. Rao claimed that the lives of bureaucrats, people and the cadre of AIADMK were under threat. His statement resembled that of a rebel,” said Pon Radhakrishnan. He also said that Chief Minister O Panneerselvam need not reply to his baseless allegations. 

“By saying that he is still the Chief Secretary, Rao has violated the rules and stringent action should be taken on him for holding a press meet,” he added. Taking exception to Rao’s statement that Jayalalithaa was aware of all his actions, Pon Radhakrishnan said, “He has brought disgrace to Jayalalithaa by linking his corrupt activities to her. If Rao is convicted, will he still drag Jayalalithaa’s name into it?” he questioned. Radhakrishnan rubbished allegations there was malicious intention behind the raid and said that Income Tax sleuths had specific inputs about the connection between Sekar Reddy and Rao.