Bhagwant Mann says BJP’s agencies will find nothing in raid on AAP MLA

Chandigarh. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday said central agencies were raiding AAP leaders on the BJP’s orders, but would find nothing against them.

He was speaking at a press conference in Chandigarh after a raid at the residence of AAP MLA Dr Amandeep Kaur.

“The BJP-led Union Government is using central investigative agencies as political weapons to intimidate opposition leaders and silence those questioning its policies. These agencies are free to conduct raids at the behest of their political masters, but they will find nothing against AAP leaders who have been working honestly,” Mann said.

He said the raids would not stop his government from working for the people. “Such tactics will neither frighten the Aam Aadmi Party nor weaken our commitment to serving the people of Punjab. The people of Punjab have given us a mandate for change and development, and no amount of political intimidation can derail this mission,” he said.

Mann asked the Centre to focus on people’s problems instead of settling political scores. “Political conspiracies and pressure tactics cannot distract us from fulfilling the promises made to Punjabis,” he said.

Asked about rallies by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Mann said every leader had the right to hold them. “Rahul Gandhi and every other political leader are free to organise rallies and exercise their democratic rights. Democracy thrives on the freedom to express opinions,” he said.

On another question, Mann said becoming an MLA was not enough. “Elected representatives also have a responsibility to stand firmly with their party, uphold its principles and actively contribute to organisational activities. Political responsibility does not end with winning an election,” he said.

On AAP’s list of 40 candidates, he said it was part of an ongoing process and the remaining names would be announced in due course.

Mann said his government would not use lack of funds as an excuse. “Our government will never hide behind the excuse of empty government coffers to avoid its responsibilities towards the people,” he said, adding that the government would work to meet the hopes of employees, farmers, youth and every section of society.

He also criticised those trying to spoil Punjab’s image. “Punjab and its people deserve respect, and attempts to malign their image through distorted facts are unacceptable,” he said.

Listing his government’s work, Mann said Aam Aadmi Clinics had improved healthcare, government schools had been upgraded and more than 2,000 playgrounds had been built across the state. He said drains had been cleaned under the Seechewal Model and canal water had reached areas that had gone without it for decades.

He said farmers were now getting electricity in the morning hours, which had given them major relief.

Under the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Yojana, he said, around 50 buses were running every day, taking nearly 2,000 devotees to religious places in and outside Punjab.

Mann also invited people to watch the India-Korea semi-final of the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament. “The overwhelming public response to the tournament and the presence of international hockey legends have once again shown Punjab’s unmatched passion for hockey,” he said.

“No political pressure or conspiracy can weaken our resolve to build a progressive and prosperous Punjab,” Mann said.