Kejriwal Condemns BJP Over Enforcement Directorate Raid on AAP MP Ashok Mittal
Aam Aadmi Party convenor Arvind Kejriwal launched a sharp criticism against the Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday following an Enforcement Directorate raid at the residence of AAP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal. In a social media post on X, Kejriwal labeled the ED action as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "preparations for the elections in Punjab."
Political Reactions and Context of the Raid
Kejriwal stated, "Modi Ji has begun preparations for the elections in Punjab. But the people of Punjab will not tolerate this. They will give the BJP a sound thrashing in response." The central probing agency's operation occurred just days after the AAP appointed Mittal as its deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, replacing Raghav Chadha. This move was part of a formal restructuring of the party's leadership in the Upper House, with the AAP having written to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat to remove Chadha as deputy leader and request that he no longer be allotted speaking time from the party’s quota.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also reacted to the searches, posting on his X account: "BJP begins preparations for Punjab elections… ED raids at the home and university of AAP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal..typical Modi style.."
Profile of Ashok Mittal and AAP's Rajya Sabha Presence
Ashok Kumar Mittal is the founder of Lovely Professional University in Punjab. An academic-turned-politician, he entered active politics in 2022 and was elected to the Rajya Sabha the same year. Since then, he has served on several parliamentary committees, including defence and finance, and has participated in international parliamentary delegations. The AAP currently holds 10 MPs in the Rajya Sabha, with seven from Punjab and three from Delhi, highlighting its growing influence in the upper house of Parliament.
The raid and subsequent political statements underscore the escalating tensions between the AAP and BJP ahead of key elections, with both parties positioning themselves strategically in Punjab. This incident adds to a series of confrontations involving central agencies and opposition figures, reflecting broader political dynamics in India.
