The Income Tax Department's extensive search operation at the residence of former Congress minister Sunder Sham Arora in Hoshiarpur, which commenced on Wednesday morning, finally concluded in the late hours of Friday midnight. The three-day-long investigation has sparked significant political controversy in Punjab, with Congress leaders vehemently criticizing the central agency's actions.
Former Minister Claims Raid Targeted His Son
Addressing the media on Saturday, Sunder Sham Arora stated that the primary focus of the income tax raid was directed towards his son, Prateek Arora. He emphasized that his family had cooperated fully with the department throughout the process. "We have provided all necessary details and documentation requested by the officials. All their queries have been answered transparently and comprehensively," Arora declared, maintaining that they have nothing to hide.
Punjab Congress Leaders Condemn Raid as Political Vendetta
The search operation triggered immediate backlash from senior Punjab Congress leaders, who accused the ruling BJP at the Centre of misusing central investigative agencies for political intimidation.
Jalandhar MP Charanjit Singh Channi's Strong Criticism
Jalandhar Member of Parliament Charanjit Singh Channi took to social media platform X to express his outrage. He posted, "This represents a blatant and shameless misuse of government machinery. Central agencies are being systematically weaponized to intimidate and silence Opposition voices. Such authoritarian actions strike at the very foundational roots of our democracy and must be condemned unequivocally by all democratic forces."
Gurdaspur MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa's Allegations
Gurdaspur MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa echoed similar sentiments, directly accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party of employing central agencies for political vendetta and coercion. "There is a clear pattern emerging. Leaders who choose to align themselves with the BJP mysteriously receive 'clean chits', while those who dare to speak the truth or decide to leave the party face relentless raids and investigations. This is the unfortunate and toxic reality of the BJP's current political strategy," Randhawa asserted.
Punjab Congress Chief Expresses Solidarity
Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring also expressed unwavering solidarity with Sunder Sham Arora and his family. In a social media post, Warring stated, "The blatant misuse of central agencies will not succeed in breaking the resolve and unity of the Punjab Congress. Our entire party stands firmly with Sunder Sham Arora during this challenging time. We will continue to fight against such politically motivated actions."
The incident has intensified the ongoing political tussle in Punjab, highlighting the deepening tensions between the Congress party and the central government. The allegations of agency misuse for political gains are likely to fuel further debate in the coming days, as both sides prepare for future electoral battles.
