Sangrur: Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday criticised the BJP-led Centre over repeated Enforcement Directorate (ED) action against AAP leaders and said Punjab would never surrender to what he described as “politics of intimidation and vendetta” through central agencies. Addressing a press conference in Sangrur, Mann said ED had conducted searches at the residence of Punjab minister and businessman Sanjeev Arora three times within a year and twice within a month, but nothing was recovered. Arora was later arrested by the ED. Mann questioned why such actions were largely carried out in opposition-ruled states and alleged the Centre was trying to pressure opposition leaders into joining the BJP. Mann alleged that agencies like the ED, CBI and income-tax department, along with institutions such as the Election Commission, were being “weaponised” for political purposes against non-BJP ruled states, especially Punjab.“The message from BJP is loud and clear: either join BJP or face harassment through raids and investigations,” he said. Referring to Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal, Mann said ED conducted searches at his residence, university and business establishments for two days. “But the moment he joined BJP, the raids stopped and he was instead provided security cover by the Centre,” he alleged. Mann said Punjab had never bowed before pressure tactics and would continue to resist political coercion. “Punjab is the land of Gurus, saints and martyrs. This land did not bow before Aurangzeb’s atrocities and it will not bend before Modi either,” he said. He also alleged that the BJP had intensified pressure tactics after Punjab passed the anti-sacrilege law and claimed the Centre was discriminating against Punjab on issues such as Chandigarh, Bhakra, river waters and release of funds. Opposing divisive politics, Mann said Punjab’s social fabric was built on communal harmony and brotherhood. “Anything can grow on Punjab’s fertile land except hatred,” he asserted. On his “Shukrana Yatra”, Mann alleged ED raids, notices and controversies were being orchestrated alongside the yatra to divert media attention from the public support it was receiving across Punjab.Earlier, Mann posted on X, “The BJP-led Central Government is undermining the constitutional framework of the country. The BJP is continuously misusing institutions like the CBI, ED, Income Tax Department and Election Commission for its political interests.”
