AAP stages Punjab-wide protests against CBI raids

The Aam Aadmi Party staged protests across Punjab on Wednesday against CBI raids at several locations, including the Chief Minister’s camp office, with party leaders accusing the Centre of using central investigative agencies for political purposes.

In Patiala, a protest was held at Fuhara Chowk, where Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh, PRTC Chairman Harpal Juneja, Patiala Mayor Kundan Gogia, MLA Gurlal Ghanaur and District Planning Board Chairman Tajinder Mehta were among the leaders who joined party workers.

Addressing the gathering, AAP leaders criticised the Centre over the raids and alleged that agencies such as the CBI and Enforcement Directorate were being used in Punjab in a manner similar to what they claimed had happened in West Bengal.

The leaders alleged that the BJP-led Central government was pursuing political tactics through investigative agencies. They claimed that people in Punjab were aware of what they described as the Centre’s political approach and would support the AAP in the forthcoming assembly elections.

The leaders further said the party would intensify its campaign against what they described as “anti-Punjab” policies of the Narendra Modi government in the coming days.

They also maintained that raid-related actions would not be accepted by the party and its workers.

The protest in Patiala was part of the AAP’s statewide mobilisation against the CBI action. Party leaders and workers raised their objections to the raids and criticised the Centre during the demonstrations.

The allegations against the Central government and investigative agencies were made by AAP leaders during the protest. The supplied material does not include a response from the BJP, the CBI or the Enforcement Directorate to the allegations.