Hubballi/ Mysuru:  Chief Minister Siddharamaiah this morning said that the Union Government was misusing the Income Tax Department to scare Congress leaders. He was reacting to reports of I-T raids on Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa. However, Mahadevappa, as well as the I-T Department, denied that any raids were underway at properties of the Minister.

Speaking to reporters before leaving for Badami to file his nomination papers, Siddharamaiah said, “It is very unfortunate that the Union Government is misusing a vital Department to disturb Congress leaders. I-T Department raid on Dr. Mahadevappa’s residence in Mysuru is politically motivated.”

Meanwhile, in Mysuru, Dr. Mahadevappa denied that any raids were conducted at his house. He said that he had no information about any raids on him. I-T Department officials also clarified that raids were underway at properties belonging to contractors and no Minister was being raided.