Punjab CM accuses BJP of political vendetta after CBI office raid

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of orchestrating raids by federal investigative agencies against his government as part of a political vendetta. The allegations surfaced after the Central Bureau of Investigation conducted a raid at his office, prompting Mann to claim the action was politically motivated rather than based on genuine investigative concerns.

Mann warned that the Enforcement Directorate could be the next agency to target his administration, suggesting a coordinated approach by BJP-led authorities at the centre to destabilize his Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab. The Chief Minister characterized the raids as an attempt to intimidate his administration and divert attention from governance issues.

The CBI action has intensified the political friction between the AAP-led state government and the BJP-controlled central government. Mann's statements reflect growing tensions over the use of investigative agencies in India's political landscape, a matter that has drawn criticism from opposition parties who contend that such raids are frequently weaponized against political opponents.

The Punjab government has not disclosed specific details regarding the nature of the CBI investigation or the particular allegations being examined. Mann's comments underscore the acrimonious relationship between state and central authorities, with accusations of misuse of federal agencies becoming increasingly common in Indian politics.