New Delhi, May 8
The Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday intensified its attack on the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab following recent Enforcement Directorate raids linked to an alleged land fraud and money laundering investigation. BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh accused the ruling party of corruption and claimed its promise of clean politics had been exposed by the ongoing probe.
Reacting to the ED searches conducted at multiple locations in Punjab and Chandigarh, Chugh alleged that close associates connected to AAP leaders were now under investigation in cases related to land dealings and financial irregularities.
He claimed that fake land documents, questionable land-use approvals, and political protection had become part of a broader network of corruption under the present Punjab government.
According to Chugh, the people of Punjab had voted for change but were instead witnessing a decline in governance and law and order. He alleged that corruption, drug abuse, unemployment, and mafia activity had increased during the tenure of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
The BJP leader also alleged that individuals linked to both the Delhi and Punjab leadership of the Aam Aadmi Party were benefiting while the state continued to face financial and administrative challenges.
Chugh further criticised Mann for accusing the BJP of being linked to the recent blast incidents in Punjab. He said the chief minister should either provide evidence to support the allegations or step down from his position.
The ED raids are part of an ongoing money laundering investigation into two real estate groups accused of fraudulent land-use changes and cheating investors. The agency has recently conducted multiple actions in Punjab involving politically connected individuals.
The BJP leader also said several sections of society, including farmers, industrialists, youth, and traders, were unhappy with the current situation in the state and expected stronger governance from the Punjab government.
The ED action and the sharp political reactions surrounding it are expected to further escalate tensions between the BJP and AAP in Punjab ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, with corruption, governance, and law and order emerging as major political issues in the state.
