Punjab CM alleges BJP using CBI raids as electoral tactic

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has charged the BJP with deploying central investigative agencies as political tools in the run-up to electoral contests, amid ongoing CBI operations targeting state officials. Mann's remarks come as a High Court has ordered a formal probe into allegations of misconduct by officers, based on preliminary evidence supplied by the Enforcement Directorate. The court's directive noted that documents provided by the Enforcement Directorate prima facie demonstrated potential involvement of the officers in corrupt practices. Mann's accusations reflect growing tensions between state and central authorities, with the Chief Minister framing the raids as part of a broader pattern of political intimidation rather than legitimate law enforcement action. The development underscores the contentious relationship between opposition-ruled states and federal investigative bodies, a recurring flashpoint in Indian politics ahead of major electoral cycles.