Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan on Wednesday strongly condemned the recent Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids on several Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders and workers, terming them as a 'Bengal-style' election strategy by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to destabilize the state government. Speaking to mediapersons in Chandigarh, Sandhwan alleged that the central agencies were being misused to target political opponents ahead of the upcoming elections.
Sandhwan Accuses BJP of Misusing Central Agencies
The Speaker said that the manner in which the ED was conducting raids on AAP leaders was reminiscent of the tactics used in West Bengal, where the BJP had allegedly used central agencies to harass opposition leaders. 'This is a clear case of political vendetta. The BJP is scared of the growing popularity of the AAP in Punjab and is using the ED to create a sense of fear among our workers,' Sandhwan stated.
He further added that the raids were an attempt to divert attention from the state government's achievements in education, health, and electricity sectors. 'The people of Punjab have given us a mandate, and we are working tirelessly to fulfill our promises. But the BJP cannot digest our success and is now resorting to such underhanded tactics,' he remarked.
ED Conducts Raids Across Multiple Locations
The ED had conducted searches at multiple locations across Punjab and Delhi on Tuesday, targeting AAP leaders in connection with an alleged money laundering case. The raids were carried out at the residences and offices of several party functionaries, including a former minister and a sitting MLA. The agency seized documents and digital evidence during the searches.
Sandhwan claimed that the raids were timed to coincide with the upcoming assembly elections in five states, including Punjab. 'The BJP wants to create a narrative that the AAP government is corrupt, but the truth is that they are the ones who are afraid of losing power. They have no development agenda, so they are using the ED as a weapon,' he said.
Political Reactions Intensify
The Speaker's remarks have added fuel to the ongoing political battle between the AAP and the BJP. While the AAP has called for a nationwide protest against the alleged misuse of central agencies, the BJP has dismissed the allegations, stating that the ED is acting independently. Union Minister and BJP leader Hardeep Singh Puri said, 'The ED is a professional body that takes action based on evidence. No one is above the law.'
Meanwhile, political analysts believe that the issue could further polarize the electorate in Punjab. 'The ED raids have become a major talking point in the state. The AAP is using it to portray itself as a victim, while the BJP is trying to project itself as a party that fights corruption,' said Dr. Rajesh Kumar, a political science professor at Panjab University.
State Government Vows to Fight Back
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has also condemned the raids, calling them a 'witch-hunt' against his party. He has directed all AAP leaders and workers to remain united and not be intimidated by the actions of central agencies. 'We will fight this battle legally and politically. The people of Punjab are with us,' Mann said in a video message.
The state government is also considering legal options to challenge the ED's actions. Sources said that the government may approach the Punjab and Haryana High Court against the raids, alleging that they were conducted without proper jurisdiction.
