Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday accused the BJP-led Central Government of misusing central investigative agencies to intimidate opposition leaders, following a 48-hour Enforcement Directorate (ED) search operation at the residence of Moga MLA Dr Amandeep Kaur Arora.
Addressing the media, senior AAP leader and Punjab in-charge Manish Sisodia alleged that ED officials repeatedly pressured the MLA to join the BJP, even offering her a ministerial position during the operation.
"Despite finding nothing during the searches, ED officials remained at her residence for 48 hours. She was told nearly 50 times, 'Join the BJP and you will become a minister'," Sisodia claimed.
He further alleged that the operation was not restricted to the MLA's residence but extended to the homes of seven of her relatives. According to Sisodia, searches were also conducted at a hospital, in her village and at other locations. He claimed that even her elderly maternal uncle and aunt were harassed during the operation.
Sisodia alleged that the MLA's family, including young children, was made to remain inside their home during the prolonged search. He described the incident as an attempt to intimidate an elected representative and force her to switch political allegiance.
Punjab Cabinet Ministers Dr Baljit Kaur, Harbhajan Singh ETO and Hardeep Singh Mundian also condemned the alleged political pressure and expressed solidarity with the Moga MLA.
Dr Baljit Kaur said that despite threats, pressure and alleged offers of powerful positions, Amandeep Kaur Arora remained firm on her principles.
"The BJP must understand that the daughters of Punjab cannot be intimidated through threats or bought with offers of high-ranking positions. We stand firmly with our sister and will continue to fight for Punjab's rights and the mandate of the people," she said.
Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO alleged that the BJP was using investigative agencies against political opponents because it could not challenge elected governments through democratic means.
"Nothing was found during the 48-hour ED raid at the residence of Moga MLA Dr Amandeep Kaur Arora. Despite the BJP's alleged inducements and pressure, our MLA remained committed to her principles. This is what principled politics means," he said.
Cabinet Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian also alleged that the prolonged search and offers of political positions had failed to influence the MLA.
He said that AAP leaders remained committed to the trust of the people and would not compromise on their political principles.
AAP leaders collectively accused the BJP of using central agencies to weaken opposition parties and undermine the people's mandate. However, the allegations of political inducement and pressure were made by AAP leaders and were not independently established in the statements provided.
