Chandigarh, April 18: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of initiating its election campaign in Punjab by misusing central agencies. This statement follows the Enforcement Directorate’s raids on the homes of two leaders from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) within three days.
Mann criticized the BJP, stating that a party unable to find 117 candidates is attempting to instill fear rather than gain public support. He emphasized that opposition governments are being harassed through funding cuts and interference from governors, the ED, the CBI, and the Election Commission. Meanwhile, leaders joining the BJP are reportedly being “cleansed” through a metaphorical washing machine.
The Chief Minister asserted that AAP will not be intimidated. He stated that while the people of Punjab may face challenges, they will not bow to fear. He urged the BJP to prepare for the 2027 elections by engaging with the public instead of relying on raids and pressure tactics.
Mann remarked, “Our country is known as the largest democracy in the world. Here, people elect their chosen government. The central government must grant every state its rights, rising above political and party interests. However, we have recently observed a gradual suppression of democracy.”
He pointed out that all non-BJP governments are being targeted, either through funding cuts from the center or through governors. Criticizing the BJP further, Mann noted that AAP is specifically being targeted due to its rapid growth as a party, having become a national party in just ten years. He claimed that the BJP believes it can manage Congress and sometimes collaborates with them, but does not want to allow a third option to emerge.
Mann also mentioned the false ED cases filed against AAP leaders in Delhi, including the alleged liquor scam. Senior leaders such as Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh have faced imprisonment. Those working behind the scenes, including activists and policymakers, have also encountered threats and pressure, being told to either join the BJP or face difficulties. This politics of fear and intimidation continues.
He highlighted a pattern across the country, stating, “In Bengal, officials from the DGP to various others are being replaced before elections. They do not win elections through public support but by using the ED, CBI, Election Commission, and other agencies.”
Mann further noted that just days ago, the ED conducted raids on the properties of AAP’s Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal, who runs Lovely Professional University, where around 4,000 students study, including many from over 35 countries. He criticized the sudden suspicion cast on Mittal simply because he is an AAP MP.
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