Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Political tensions in Punjab have escalated over the Enforcement Directorate (ED) notice and its recent actions, with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab chief and Cabinet Minister Aman Arora launching a sharp attack on the BJP-led Central Government.
Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Arora alleged that central investigative agencies were functioning at the direction of the Centre and claimed that the BJP was attempting to create unrest in Punjab and keep senior AAP leaders occupied with investigations.
Arora said the alleged pressure on government officials could affect the functioning of the state administration. “If officers remain under fear, they will not be able to work properly,” he said, accusing the ED of acting like a “parrot of the Centre.”
AAP leader also questioned the ED's handling of the case, saying Punjab officials cooperate whenever they are summoned by the central agency. However, when Punjab Police sought case-related facts and documents from an ED officer, the information was allegedly not provided.'
“If there is going to be a game, then it will be played equally. On one side there will be the ED and on the other, Punjab Police,” Arora said, while stressing that the state government could not be run in such a manner.
Punjab Police Sought Documents From ED
Arora said the ED had now sent a third letter to Punjab Police, asking for registration of an FIR under Section 66(2). He said Punjab Police had written to the ED on August 28 seeking documents and other material related to the case so that further action could be taken after examining the evidence.
According to Arora, Punjab Police had asked the concerned ED officer to appear on September 1, but no officer had appeared so far.
AAP leader claimed that the ED did not have substantial evidence against the political leaders being mentioned in connection with the case. He alleged that attempts were being made through the media to tarnish the image of AAP leaders.
Arora said that names of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora, himself and Cabinet Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak had surfaced at different times. “They have nothing,” Arora claimed.
Questions Raised Over CLU and Layout Plan
Addressing allegations concerning land-use permissions and a layout plan, Arora said the layout plan had been obtained in 2011 and covered approximately 230 acres.
He claimed that only one Change of Land Use (CLU) approval was granted during his tenure, but alleged that complete information regarding the matter was not being placed in the public domain.
Arora further claimed that the FIR related to Eltus had already been quashed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. He said that if the ED believed there were irregularities in the CLU or the layout plan, all those responsible during the relevant period should be questioned.
Arora pointed out that Punjab had been governed by successive Akali Dal-BJP and Congress governments between 2012 and 2022, arguing that responsibility for any alleged irregularities should not be limited to the present government.
The allegations have added another layer to the ongoing political confrontation between the Punjab government and the Centre over the role and actions of central investigative agencies.
