Chandigarh: Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday slammed the BJP-led Centre over repeated raids by central agencies against AAP leaders, asserting that the BJP and its agencies could conduct as many raids as they wanted, but nothing would deter the AAP govt from working relentlessly for the people of Punjab.Reacting to the raids at the residence of AAP MLA Amandeep Kaur Arora, Mann alleged that central agencies were being directed by the BJP to target opposition leaders and suppress dissent but would find nothing against AAP leaders. “Intimidation, political vendetta and conspiracies would neither weaken the AAP nor derail Punjab’s development agenda. The Centre should focus on addressing people’s concerns rather than misusing investigative agencies to settle political scores,” he said.Mann alleged that tThe BJP-led Centre was using central investigative agencies as political weapons to intimidate opposition leaders and silence those questioning its policies. “These agencies are free to conduct raids at the behest of their political masters, but they will find nothing against AAP leaders who have been working honestly and discharging their responsibilities with dedication,” he added.Rejecting the excuse of financial constraints in fulfilling public commitments, Mann said, “Our govt will never hide behind the excuse of empty government coffers to avoid its responsibilities towards the people. Public welfare remains our foremost priority, and we will make every possible effort to fulfil the aspirations of employees, farmers, youth and every section of society.”
