Chandigarh: Aam Aadmi Party Punjab president Aman Arora on Friday questioned the timing of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) action, claiming that investigative agencies become active wherever elections are approaching.He said using probe agencies such as the ED and the CBI to intimidate and pressure opposition parties was unjustified and amounted to an assault on democracy.During a media interaction, Arora said, “Whenever elections approach, agencies such as the ED and the CBI, and even the Election Commission, suddenly become active. It gives the impression that these institutions are working according to their political bosses. Using investigative agencies to intimidate and put pressure on opposition parties is not justified. It is an assault on democracy.”Taking a dig at the Congress, Arora said, “Those who are welcoming ED action against their political opponents today should remember that tomorrow the same agency can reach their doorstep. There are summons and cases involving senior Congress leaders as well. The larger issue is whether investigative agencies are being used for political purposes. You cannot support such action only when it benefits you politically.”Questioning the functioning and conviction rate of investigative agencies, Arora said their wide-ranging powers raised serious questions about the consequences for people arrested and kept in custody for prolonged periods.“A person can be arrested and kept in custody for months or even years. These are serious questions that need to be asked when investigative agencies are given such sweeping powers,” he added.Referring to AAP leaders Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain, Arora said prolonged periods of custody and subsequent “acquittals” in cases he referred to had raised questions about the timing and manner in which such cases were pursued.He said the timing of agency action becomes particularly questionable when elections approach, and opposition leaders and parties face increased scrutiny.On the BJP’s rallies and its ongoing campaign against drugs, Arora said, “The BJP can hold as many rallies as it wants and carry out as many political activities as it wants. But the people of Punjab will not pay attention to these political exercises.”No discussion on Capt AmarinderReplying to a question on whether the AAP could invite former CM Capt Amarinder Singh to join the party, Aman Arora said that “no such discussion” had taken place. Arora added, “He (Capt) has said that BJP doesn’t consult him despite his experience. It shows the kind of work culture that exists in the BJP.”On Capt Amarinder’s recent remarks regarding his political position in the BJP, Arora said the veteran leader had expressed his disappointment and spoken about his political situation. Arora said he had sympathy and good wishes for Capt Amarinder, while recalling that the former CM had always been known for speaking his mind.
