Arvind Kejriwal Accuses BJP of Using ED Raids to Pressure AAP Leaders in Punjab

Arvind Kejriwal, national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party, accused the BJP-led central government of using Enforcement Directorate raids to pressure AAP leaders in Punjab after ED teams searched the residence of state minister Sanjeev Arora. Speaking at a press conference, Kejriwal claimed the raids were not aimed at investigating financial crimes but were intended to coerce political allegiance to the BJP.

Kejriwal stated that ED conducted simultaneous raids at the homes of Arora and former AAP leader Ashok Mittal, noting that the investigations against Mittal ceased after he joined the BJP. He asserted that Arora, who refused to switch parties, was targeted again—this time in a second raid within a month—as retaliation. The AAP leader questioned the investigative rationale, pointing out that previous three-day searches across Arora’s properties in Gurugram, Ludhiana, and Delhi had not led to charges.

Kejriwal alleged systematic targeting of Punjab by the central government, citing unresolved rural development funds, disputes over Chandigarh, water rights, and control of the Bhakra Beas Management Board. He also referenced corruption allegations once made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah against leaders now in power with BJP, arguing that ED does not pursue those who join the party but intensifies scrutiny on those who resist.

The AAP chief warned that such tactics would not break Punjab’s resolve, invoking historical resistance to oppression. He maintained that the ED’s actions are part of a broader strategy to destabilize non-BJP governments. The Punjab government has not announced any legal or administrative response, but AAP leaders plan to challenge the raids politically ahead of the 2027 state elections.