Chandigarh: The Aam Aadmi Party on Sunday organised protests across several districts of Punjab, accusing the BJP-led central government of misusing investigative agencies after the Enforcement Directorate arrested Punjab Cabinet minister Sanjeev Arora in a money laundering case.
Party workers and leaders gathered in cities including Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Mohali, Barnala and Hoshiarpur, where they raised slogans against the Centre and burnt effigies to condemn what they described as politically motivated action. Protesters were also seen carrying placards criticising the alleged nexus between the BJP and central agencies.
The demonstrations came a day after the Enforcement Directorate took Arora into custody following searches linked to an ongoing financial probe.
AAP has strongly rejected the allegations against its senior leader, claiming the action was intended to pressure opposition voices and create political instability in Punjab.
Addressing party workers during a protest in Jalandhar, Cabinet minister Mohinder Bhagat accused the Union government of using central agencies to target AAP leaders and obstruct Punjab’s progress.
He alleged that repeated raids and investigations reflected political hostility rather than genuine law enforcement concerns, asserting that the people of Punjab would not tolerate such pressure tactics.
Bhagat also reiterated that the entire party stands firmly behind Arora and would continue to resist what it termed “selective targeting” of opposition leaders.
In Hoshiarpur, AAP representatives echoed similar concerns, alleging that agencies such as the ED and CBI were being weaponised because of the growing popularity of the Punjab government’s welfare initiatives.
Meanwhile, Hampton Sky Realty Limited, a company previously associated with Arora, said it is fully cooperating with investigators and has complete faith in the legal and judicial process.
The party had earlier alleged that central agencies are often activated whenever the BJP senses weakening political support, claiming the pattern reflects an attempt to silence opposition parties through pressure and intimidation.
