Chandigarh (Balwinder Singh): Senior AAP Punjab leader and Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Friday launched a strong attack on the BJP, accusing it of weaponising central agencies and misusing institutions like the ED (Enforcement Directorate), CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation), Income Tax Department and Election Commission to intimidate opposition leaders ahead of elections. Citing the nearly 48-hour-long ED raids at multiple locations linked to Moga MLA Dr Amandeep Kaur Arora, Cheema said the agency returned empty-handed without recovering even a penny, once again giving AAP leaders a certificate of ‘Kattar Imaandar’.
The senior AAP leader further pointed out that the BJP is trying to engineer defections by luring AAP MLAs with ministerial positions and Rajya Sabha membership, but Punjab’s leaders have refused to bow to such inducements. Reaffirming her unwavering loyalty to Arvind Kejriwal and CM Bhagwant Mann, Dr Amandeep Kaur Arora declared that no amount of raids, intimidation or political pressure could silence her or AAP’s women leaders, and that she would continue fighting for Punjab and its people.
Addressing a press conference alongside AAP Punjab Women Wing President and Moga MLA Dr Amandeep Kaur Arora, senior AAP leader and Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “The BJP has developed a pattern of misusing central agencies whenever elections approach in a state. The ED, CBI, Income Tax Department and even the Election Commission are being used to intimidate opposition leaders, create allegations and build media narratives to malign political parties. The objective is to weaken democratically elected governments and undermine the democratic process.”
Praising Dr Amandeep Kaur Arora for her dedicated work as an MLA over the past five years, the senior AAP leader said, “Dr Amandeep Kaur Arora has consistently raised and addressed issues concerning women, students, healthcare and the welfare of Punjab’s people. Instead of appreciating her public service, the BJP has subjected her and her family to prolonged harassment through central agencies.”
“The ED conducted raids that continued for nearly 48 hours, but could not recover a single incriminating document or even a penny. This clearly exposes the political nature of the entire exercise. Such prolonged searches, questioning and pressure on an elected representative and her family amount to harassment and violate basic human rights,” he added.
Harpal Singh Cheema further said, “The BJP is targeting AAP leaders because they stand firmly with Punjab, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. The BJP is also attempting to lure AAP MLAs with offers of ministerial positions, Rajya Sabha membership and other powerful posts to engineer defections. But our leaders are committed to serving the people and cannot be bought through positions or inducements.”
Condemning the BJP’s politics of intimidation and division, the senior AAP leader said the people of Punjab would give a fitting response to every attempt to weaken democracy, destabilise opposition parties and undermine the people’s mandate.
ED Conducted Raids At My Residence, Office, Hospital & Family Members’ Homes For Nearly 48 Hours, Returned Empty-Handed: Dr Amandeep Kaur Arora
Meanwhile, AAP Punjab Women Wing President and Moga MLA Dr Amandeep Kaur Arora said, “The ED conducted raids at multiple locations connected to me and my family. My residence, office, hospital and the homes of my parents, brother and relatives were searched. Officials continued their searches and questioning for nearly 42 to 48 hours, but ultimately returned without recovering a single document or a penny.”
The AAP Punjab Women President said, “The BJP is using central agencies to frighten opposition leaders and force them into joining its ranks, particularly with the Punjab Assembly elections approaching. Despite making tall claims about women’s empowerment and protection, the BJP is targeting women politicians who are working effectively and raising public issues,” she added.
Explaining the nature of the questioning, Dr Amandeep Kaur Arora said officials questioned her about everything, ranging from her children’s mark sheets and family property documents to hospital records, public complaints and information relating to political leaders across parties. She said the prolonged searches and questioning were deliberately extended to cause mental harassment to her and her family.
“I was also offered positions, including a ministerial post, but I rejected these inducements. I entered politics to work for Punjab and the country, not to secure positions, election tickets or fulfil personal ambitions. My commitment is to the people who have placed their trust in me,” said Dr Amandeep Kaur Arora.
Reaffirming her loyalty to AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, Dr Amandeep Kaur Arora said, “I will stand with Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for as long as I live. No pressure, threat or inducement can make me compromise with my principles or betray the people of Punjab.”
Highlighting AAP’s commitment to women’s political empowerment, Dr Amandeep Kaur Arora said, “Today, AAP has 11 women MLAs in the Punjab Assembly, the highest representation of women MLAs in the state’s Assembly history. Our party has opened the doors of politics for ordinary women and men, giving them an opportunity to serve people and bring change.”
Challenging the BJP’s attempts to intimidate AAP leaders, Dr Amandeep Kaur Arora said, “No amount of intimidation, pressure or harassment can weaken my resolve or that of AAP’s women leaders. We are here to serve the people, and we will not be frightened into abandoning our responsibilities.”
Reaffirming the party’s commitment to Punjab, Dr Amandeep Kaur Arora said AAP would continue working for better education, healthcare, public welfare and the overall development of the state. She asserted that neither raids nor threats nor political inducements could shake the party’s commitment to the people of Punjab.
