AAP announces protest across Punjab against 'misuse' of ED, CBI; CM Bhagwant Mann cries foul
PTC News Desk: The Aam Aadmi Part has announced protest across Punjab against what it calls the “misuse” of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) by the BJP-led Central government.
The party said protests will be held across the state with AAP workers taking to the streets against the actions of the central agencies in Punjab.
Also Read: CBI summons CM Bhagwant Mann's OSD Rajbir Singh Ghuman a day after raids over corruption allegations
AAP has alleged that there is a “conspiracy” to target and defame the Bhagwant Mann government. The party also accused the Centre of using investigative agencies to pressure governments run by Opposition parties. It cited West Bengal and Jharkhand as examples where it claimed similar action had taken place.
The protests come amid a CBI investigation into alleged corruption involving people linked to the Punjab government and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
CM Mann cries foul
A day after the CBI searched the residence of Mann’s Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the case, Mann accused the BJP of using central agencies ahead of elections. He also claimed that the CBI did not find anything incriminating during the searches.
The CBI had registered a corruption case against Mann’s OSD and other officials following directions from the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The agency also searched several locations, including the Chief Minister’s camp office.
The High Court had ordered the CBI probe after observing that material provided by the ED appeared to indicate the involvement of officials in alleged corruption.
Speaking to reporters in Dhuri, Sangrur, Mann accused the BJP of targeting Opposition leaders through central agencies whenever elections are approaching.
He alleged that raids are carried out months before elections to pressure Opposition leaders, their associates or family members.
Mann cited several cases involving Opposition leaders in different states and claimed they were targeted ahead of elections. He also mentioned the arrests of Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia in Delhi and ED raids against Congress leaders in Haryana.
Reacting to the latest CBI searches, Mann said the BJP was “rattled” and claimed that the agency found nothing during the seven-to-eight-hour operation.
He said his government had nothing to hide and claimed that its leaders had not entered politics to engage in corruption.
- PTC NEWS
