Punjab CM Accuses BJP of Weaponizing Central Agencies Ahead of Elections

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann criticizes the Center for using federal agencies like the ED and CBI against non-BJP governments, following raids on premises linked to state minister Sanjeev Arora. Mann alleges these actions are BJP's tactics ahead of Punjab elections. AAP sees it as intimidation against expanding opposition.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has openly criticized the central government, accusing them of misusing federal agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to target non-BJP governments. His remarks came soon after ED conducted raids on premises linked to state minister Sanjeev Arora.

Mann claimed that these raids, alongside income-tax notices and threats, signal the BJP's election strategy for Punjab, aimed at intimidating opponents. He described these actions as undermining democracy, accusing the BJP of harassing non-BJP states to suppress emerging opposition forces like AAP.

Meanwhile, AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal echoed Mann's sentiments, criticizing the raids and calling the BJP's actions petty politics for power. They pointed out the similarity in BJP's strategy in other states like West Bengal, accusing them of trying to eliminate any third-party challenge in Indian politics.

(With inputs from agencies.)