CBI raid at Punjab CM's office result of BJP's frustration: Arvind Kejriwal
Arvind Kejriwal claims CBI raids on Bhagwant Mann's office are a result of BJP frustration ahead of Punjab elections.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal has launched a scathing attack on the central government, alleging that the recent Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) raid at Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's camp office is a direct consequence of the BJP's "frustration." Kejriwal claimed that the BJP is attempting to use central agencies to fight electoral battles in Punjab as it cannot win through direct contesting.
Targeting the Elected Chief Minister
The allegations come following CBI searches conducted at House Number 50 in Chandigarh's Sector 2. The investigation is linked to a case involving the Punjab Chief Minister's Officer on Special Duty (OSD), Rajbir Singh Ghuman, and his associates. Kejriwal asserted that the timing of the raid—just two months before the upcoming elections—is a calculated move to target the state's elected leadership.
Speaking on the matter, Kejriwal highlighted a pattern of the central government allegedly undermining the interests of the state. "Ever since the BJP government came to power at the Center, it has always pushed Punjabis around—be it the farmers' movement, the issue of Punjab's water, or the Punjab University issue," Kejriwal stated. He further remarked, "And now, it's even pushing around their elected Chief Minister."
AAP Predicts Massive Mandate for Mann
The AAP leader suggested that the BJP's reliance on the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the CBI stems from an inability to gain traction in the state through traditional political means. However, he remains confident of a victory for his party, predicting that the people of Punjab will respond to these raids at the polls by granting Bhagwant Mann a massive mandate of over 100 seats to secure his re-election.
"Delhi Playbook" Being Used in Punjab
Echoing Kejriwal's sentiments, Delhi AAP president Saurabh Bharadwaj accused the Modi-led government of attempting to replicate its "Delhi elections playbook" in Punjab. Bharadwaj claimed that the BJP is desperate to make electoral inroads and is resorting to registering false cases and high-profile arrests to achieve its goals.
Key details of the CBI investigation include:
- The Accused: The investigation focuses on OSD Rajbir Singh Ghuman and his associates.
- Allegations: The agency is investigating the alleged manipulation of postings for IAS and IPS officers.
- Scope of Corruption: The probe covers departmental proceedings, policy formulation, administrative approvals, tender conditions, licensing, and land-use conversion.
- Search Operations: The agency conducted searches at multiple locations, including the Chandigarh premises.
Bharadwaj concluded by telling the people of Punjab not to be misled, suggesting that the tactics being deployed are an attempt to repeat past political maneuvers through fraudulent means.