Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema during his press conference on September 24, accused the BJP-led government of allegedly misusing central investigative agencies to target opposition leaders.
Speaking on the issue, Cheema alleged that agencies including the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Income Tax Department were being used against political opponents. In his Press conference he said that the BJP from its existence has been misusing the central agencies for being in power.
Cheema claimed that AAP's top leadership had faced what he described as politically motivated cases and referred to court proceedings while making his allegations. He also raised questions over the electoral process, referring to the controversy surrounding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Cheema alleged that the developments surrounding the electoral process have raised concerns about the impartiality of the Election Commission and the functioning of democratic institutions. He further alleged that the BJP has repeatedly attempted to weaken democratic institutions.
The Election Commission has maintained that the electoral process is conducted according to the Constitution, electoral laws and established procedures, and has rejected allegations concerning the integrity of the electoral process.
Cheema also spoke about the ongoing ED searches at multiple locations in Punjab, alleging that some searches were carried out at properties where the occupants were not present.
He alleged that officials broke locks and entered certain properties to conduct searches, claiming that such action was intended to create fear among people in Punjab. Cheema further claimed that search documents from some locations indicated that no incriminating material was recovered.
He also alleged that elderly women and young girls were present at some of the properties during the searches and questioned whom the government was allegedly trying to intimidate through the raids.
Cheema's remarks come amid ongoing ED action at locations linked to the investigation in Punjab and Chandigarh. His claims regarding the conduct and purpose of the searches are allegations and have not been independently verified.