Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday launched a sharp attack on the Centre following the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) raid at the Ludhiana premises of businessman Sanjeev Arora, alleging that central agencies are being “misused” for political purposes.
Addressing a press conference, Mann condemned the action, stating, “We strongly condemn the way they are misusing their powers,” and went on to describe the situation as a form of “dictatorship.”
ਪ੍ਰੈੱਸ ਕਾਨਫ਼ਰੰਸ ਨੂੰ ਸੰਬੋਧਨ ਕਰਦੇ ਹੋਏ ਮੁੱਖ ਮੰਤਰੀ ਭਗਵੰਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਮਾਨ, ਚੰਡੀਗੜ੍ਹ ਤੋਂ Live https://t.co/2xUQKAO69V
— AAP Punjab (@AAPPunjab) April 17, 2026
The Chief Minister accused the ruling dispensation at the Centre of selectively targeting opposition voices while overlooking alleged irregularities within its own ranks. Referring to political developments in Bihar, he questioned the appointment of Samrat Choudhary and raised concerns over past cases linked to him, asking whether such actions amounted to “jungle raj.”
Mann asserted that his government and party would not be intimidated. “We are not afraid. In Punjab, they barely secure one or two seats in Assembly elections. To expand their footprint, they are resorting to agencies like the ED,” he claimed. He further alleged that the party at the Centre lacks grassroots leadership in the state and is instead inducting leaders from rival outfits such as the Shiromani Akali Dal and the Congress.
Taking aim at national priorities, Mann said the Prime Minister should focus on pressing issues like education, healthcare, employment, and rising LPG costs. Instead, he alleged, attention is being diverted toward enforcement actions and security arrangements. In a pointed remark, he also referenced former US President Donald Trump, suggesting that governance priorities appear misplaced.
The Chief Minister further alleged that institutions such as the ED, the Election Commission, and the CBI are being used “like weapons,” and criticized the role of Governors in various states. He claimed that Governors are increasingly involved in political matters and are withholding assent to bills passed by elected assemblies, forcing state governments to approach the courts.
Drawing a stark comparison, Mann remarked that such circumstances are often associated with countries like North Korea, but said similar concerns are now being felt domestically.
The Centre has not yet responded to the allegations. Meanwhile, the ED has also not released detailed information about the Ludhiana raid, and the investigation remains ongoing.
