Jalandhar: A fresh political confrontation unfolded in Punjab on Wednesday after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out search operations at locations linked to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal in Jalandhar. The action triggered sharp reactions from AAP leaders, who accused the Centre of using investigative agencies for political purposes ahead of upcoming elections.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann described the raids as part of a broader political pattern, alleging that such steps signal the beginning of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) campaign strategy for the 2027 state elections. In a strongly worded statement, Mann suggested that his party would not be intimidated, framing the development as politically motivated.
The ED teams reportedly conducted search and seizure operations at Mittal’s residence and premises associated with the Lovely Group, an educational conglomerate he heads. The raids come shortly after Mittal’s elevation as AAP’s Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha, replacing Raghav Chadha—a move that had already stirred internal discussions within the party.
AAP’s national convenor Arvind Kejriwal also weighed in, asserting that the people of Punjab would not accept what he termed the misuse of central agencies against opposition figures. Senior party leader Manish Sisodia echoed similar sentiments, alleging that investigative bodies are often deployed ahead of elections in opposition-ruled states.
On the other hand, BJP leader and Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu defended the action, stating that law enforcement agencies are acting against corruption. He accused AAP of harboring individuals involved in wrongdoing and maintained that accountability is necessary. Bittu further remarked that the government’s approach aligns with its broader commitment to transparency and governance.
Meanwhile, the Congress party also entered the fray. MLA Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal criticized the Punjab government’s response, questioning its priorities and accusing it of focusing more on political battles than addressing public concerns such as farmers’ issues.
The latest episode has intensified the political climate in Punjab, with accusations and counter-accusations dominating the discourse. As investigations continue, the development is likely to remain a key flashpoint between the ruling AAP and the opposition BJP in the months ahead.
