Thu May 22 18:24:36 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided text, formatted with a focus on the Indian perspective:

**Headline: DMK Slams BJP, Claims ED Used as Political Weapon After Supreme Court Ruling**

**Chennai, India – May 22, 2025** – The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party is accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Union government of misusing the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) as a political tool, following a recent Supreme Court ruling critical of the agency. DMK organization secretary R.S. Bharathi addressed reporters today, stating that the BJP should cease using the ED at will, particularly in light of the Supreme Court’s observations about the agency exceeding its limits and violating federal principles.

The Supreme Court’s interim order stayed a money laundering probe against the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC), the state-run liquor retailer, concerning alleged corruption in the granting of wine shop licenses. Bharathi asserted that the court’s action demonstrates that the ED is operating more like a blackmailing entity.

He further cited recent incidents involving ED officials, including an arrest in Kerala for bribery and another incident in Tamil Nadu involving an officer accepting money.

Bharathi alleged that the BJP government is deliberately targeting the DMK government with these investigations to damage its reputation ahead of upcoming elections, now only seven months away. He claimed the BJP is frustrated by the DMK’s strong alliance and is selectively targeting long-standing cases against TASMAC only under the DMK’s administration. “The Supreme Court’s order has come as a severe blow to the BJP government,” he concluded. The DMK views the Supreme Court’s intervention as vindication and a check on what they see as the BJP’s politically motivated use of investigative agencies.

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