BJP's Frustration Fuels ED Raids on Congress Leaders in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh minister Jagat Singh Negi attributes recent ED raids on Congress MLA R S Bali and others to the BJP's frustration over losing six out of nine recent assembly bypolls. The raids, which are part of a money laundering investigation into alleged Ayushman Bharat scheme fraud, targeted 19 locations across multiple states.

Himachal Pradesh minister Jagat Singh Negi on Wednesday suggested that recent Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids against a state Congress MLA were a result of the BJP's frustration after losing six out of the nine recent assembly bypolls.

Earlier the same day, the ED conducted raids on the premises of Congress MLA R S Bali, several private hospitals, and their promoters, focusing on a money laundering investigation tied to alleged Ayushman Bharat scheme fraud.

Authorities searched 19 locations in Shimla, Kangra, Una, Mandi, and Kullu districts, as well as sites in Delhi, Chandigarh, and Punjab.

Negi told PTI that the raids aimed to influence bypoll results and, following the BJP's defeat, to harass Congress leaders and divert public attention. According to Negi, the raids underscore the BJP's frustration, questioning why no actions were taken against mafias mentioned in the Vidhan Sabha.

The money laundering case, initiated on July 16, is based on a January 2023 FIR filed by the state vigilance and anti-corruption bureau, which alleges the creation of fake Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojna (AB-PMJAY) cards. The ED has stated that these fake cards led to medical bills that defrauded the exchequer and the public, with the total proceeds of crime estimated to be around Rs 25 crore.

The ruling Congress recently secured six out of the nine assembly seats in the bypolls. These elections were held following the disqualification of six rebel Congress MLAs and the resignation of three Independent legislators.