Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Condemns BJP-Led Centre Over ED Raids on Minister
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann launched a fierce attack on the BJP-led central government on Friday, following an Enforcement Directorate raid at the residence of state Industries and Power Minister Sanjeev Arora. Mann accused the ruling party of deploying central agencies to intimidate non-BJP state governments and suppress democratic processes in the lead-up to elections.
Allegations of Political Intimidation Ahead of Punjab Assembly Polls
Addressing a press conference, Mann asserted that the BJP is "preparing" for the upcoming Punjab assembly elections by utilizing the ED and issuing notices to frighten political opponents, rather than seeking genuine public support. He claimed the saffron party is facing difficulties in securing even 117 candidates for the state's constituencies.
"We have witnessed in recent times that democracy is being gradually strangled," Mann stated. "The BJP is engaging in politics of intimidation across the entire nation. In West Bengal, the entire cadre of officers, including the Director General of Police, were replaced before the assembly elections. They attempt to win elections through the ED, CBI, the Election Commission, and other departments employed for intimidation purposes."
Targeting of AAP and Broader Democratic Concerns
The Chief Minister contended that the Aam Aadmi Party is being specifically targeted due to its rapid expansion, having achieved national party status in just ten years. "The BJP believes they can manage the Congress, and there have been instances of collusion between them, but they are determined to prevent a third political force from emerging," he remarked.
Mann also expressed concerns about the erosion of democratic institutions, alleging that governors have been reduced to political tools. "They delay bills for years, forcing states to seek intervention from the Supreme Court to protect their rights. Even after the Supreme Court clarified that governors and the President cannot indefinitely withhold bills, these matters have been pushed into cold storage," he explained.
He further criticized the transfer of judges and manipulation of judicial files, questioning whether any institution remains untouched. "We have heard about North Korea and Russia, where individuals declare themselves rulers for extended periods. A similar phenomenon is occurring here in a different guise," Mann added.
Accusations of Electoral Manipulation and Delimitation
Mann accused the BJP of pursuing power at any cost in states where it lacks substantial public backing. "They aim to capture West Bengal, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Even if it requires delimitation or offering inducements, they are prepared to do whatever is necessary to secure victory," he alleged.
He further claimed that genuine votes of opposition supporters are being systematically targeted and altered. "Through the Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) initiative, authentic votes are being deleted. They have established panna pradhans in every locality to identify households supporting the BJP, AAP, or Congress, then target opposition votes and generate new ones. The same voters are casting ballots in multiple states. While they advocate for 'one nation, one election,' there is a one-week gap when two states vote," Mann detailed.
Criticism of BJP Leadership in Bihar
Commenting on the BJP's leadership in Bihar, Mann alleged, "They have now appointed Samrat Choudhary as the Chief Minister of Bihar. He faces charges in seven murder cases, has served time in jail, and provided incorrect age details by altering his date of birth three times. These are the individuals who consistently discuss 'jungle raj.' So what kind of governance has now arrived in Bihar? This BJP-led jungle is deemed acceptable, akin to advertisements claiming stains are beneficial. Thus, the stains inflicted by the BJP are considered favorable."
The ED had previously conducted Foreign Exchange Management Act searches at the premises of AAP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Kumar Mittal on April 15. Mittal was recently appointed as the deputy leader of the AAP in the Rajya Sabha, succeeding MP Raghav Chadha.
