CHANDIGARH – The political temperature in Punjab reached a boiling point on Wednesday as Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led Central Government. The outburst follows Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids on the residence and university premises of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal.

The ED conducted these raids at a sensitive time, shortly after the party appointed Mittal as the Deputy Leader of AAP in the Rajya Sabha to replace Raghav Chadha.

ED raids : “Typical Modi Style”: CM Mann Reacts

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann did not mince words, characterizing the investigative action as a politically motivated move aimed at the upcoming Punjab Assembly elections. Taking to social media and public platforms, Mann suggested that the BJP is using central agencies to intimidate the opposition.

“BJP has started its preparations for the Punjab Assembly elections. ED raids on the house and university of our Rajya Sabha member Ashok Mittal… This is typical Modi style,” Mann stated.

The Chief Minister punctuated his defiance with a poetic warning directed at the Centre:

• “We are not the leaves that will fall from the branch.”
• “Tell the storms to stay within their limits.”