CHANDIGARH, May 10 — Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated Saturday that the Bharatiya Janata Party is systematically utilizing the Enforcement Directorate and CBI to dismantle opposition-led governments. Addressing a press conference, Cheema affirmed that the recent arrest of Minister Sanjeev Arora serves as a clear example of political vendetta aimed at intimidating leaders who refuse to join the saffron party.
The Finance Minister noted that a pattern has emerged where central agencies are deployed to states governed by opposition parties ahead of elections. Cheema asserted that while these institutions are active in Punjab and West Bengal, they remain conspicuously inactive in BJP-ruled territories. He maintained that the central government’s strategy involves creating an atmosphere of fear to either force leaders into submission or incarcerate them through orchestrated investigations.
Cheema declared that the democratic framework established by the sacrifices of freedom fighters and the Constitution framed by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar are currently under significant threat. He asserted that the people of Punjab possess a revolutionary legacy and will not submit to dictatorial politics. The Minister affirmed that the state’s 30 million residents recognize these tactics and will provide a suitable response to any attempts to undermine local governance.
In response to the agency’s recent actions, the Aam Aadmi Party announced nationwide demonstrations. Cheema stated that party volunteers and workers are scheduled to protest outside BJP offices across the state on Sunday. He affirmed that these actions are necessary to expose the alleged misuse of constitutional institutions for partisan gains and to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
