Punjab's Political Storm: ED Raids Spark Election Controversy

In a significant political development, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has strongly condemned the Enforcement Directorate's raids on properties linked to Ashok Kumar Mittal, an AAP Rajya Sabha MP and Deputy Leader of the Upper House. Mann claimed these raids were orchestrated by the Bharatiya Janata Party as part of their electoral strategy ahead of the upcoming Punjab elections.

Taking to social media platform X, Mann stated, "BJP begins preparations for Punjab elections... ED raids at the home and university of AAP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal… typical Modi style." Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh echoed similar sentiments, denouncing the raids as "shameful and unconstitutional tactics" aimed at diminishing the power of the Aam Aadmi Party.

According to officials, the ED's action is linked to alleged violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). AAP leaders, including its national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, criticized the central government, calling for voters to respond decisively in the 2027 Punjab Legislative Assembly elections. This political controversy unfolds as Mittal, who joined the House in April 2022, takes on significant roles in various parliamentary committees.