Branding P Chidambaram as an 'emerging leader', the Congress on Tuesday alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party is trying to tarnish the former union minister's reputation because he is voicing against the Narendra Modi-led Government.

The statement comes in the wake of the CBI raids underway at former union minister Chidambaram's residence in Chennai, which is in connection with alleged favours granted in FIPB clearance to a firm.

Speaking to the media here state Congress leader Karate R. Thiagarajan said, "This is a politically motivated raid. Chidambaram is an emerging leader. He can be the chief minister of the state. They are trying to damage his reputation. He is the one who is raising voice against BJP in Delhi."

Echoing similar views, Tamil Nadu spokesperson Peter Alphonse asserted that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) raid is yet another agenda in play by the BJP.