Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday strongly criticized the Enforcement Directorate (ED) over its recent raids in Punjab, alleging that the agency was being used for political purposes and asserting that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) would challenge the action at every level, from the streets to Parliament and the courts.
Addressing a press conference, Cheema said the Punjab Government and AAP would take all possible legal steps against what he termed as politically motivated action by the central agency. He accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of misusing investigative agencies to gain electoral advantage and target political opponents.
Cheema claimed that despite multiple raids conducted by the ED, no significant recoveries had been reported. He alleged that even searches carried out at the residence of a relative of a Punjab minister failed to yield any incriminating evidence.
Finance Minister also raised objections to the manner in which the raids were conducted. He alleged that ED officials entered a property after breaking the lock, calling the action illegal and against established legal procedures.
“If any investigating agency has the authority to conduct a search, it must do so within the framework of law. Breaking locks and entering a residence in such a manner raises serious concerns and cannot be justified,” Cheema said.
Targeting the BJP, Cheema alleged that central agencies are frequently activated during politically sensitive periods and election cycles. He claimed that large allegations are often made following such raids, but the promised evidence rarely materializes.
He further alleged that several premises searched by the ED were occupied by elderly persons, women and children, yet the agency proceeded with its operations. According to him, the raids were aimed at creating political pressure rather than uncovering wrongdoing.
Cheema asserted that Punjabis would not be intimidated by such actions and said the people of the state have historically united whenever attempts were made to suppress their voice.
“Three crore Punjabis stand united and will respond democratically and politically to such actions,” he said, adding that the BJP was politically weak in Punjab and therefore relying on central agencies to target its rivals.
Responding to questions regarding government property-related matters, Cheema said the Punjab Government had allotted long-pending properties through a transparent auction process. He maintained that companies had deposited the required funds and that industrial projects linked to the properties were moving forward as per legal procedures.
“The government has followed all legal norms. If any agency has concerns regarding the process, it can investigate within the ambit of law, but agencies should not be used to create political pressure,” he said.
Reiterating AAP’s stand, Cheema said the party would continue its fight against the ED’s actions through legal, political and democratic means.
“The battle against the ED action will continue from the streets to the courts and, if necessary, in Parliament as well,” he said, adding that the government would explore every available legal option to protect the rights and interests of the people of Punjab.
