NEW DELHI, INDIA — Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh on April 15 strongly criticised the Enforcement Directorate (ED) following raids conducted at premises linked to party Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Kumar Mittal, alleging political misuse of central agencies ahead of elections.
Speaking in Delhi, Singh claimed that central investigative agencies such as the ED and CBI are being used by the ruling establishment during election periods to target opposition leaders. He alleged that such actions are part of a broader strategy to influence electoral outcomes.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Singh asserted that declining popularity has led to increased reliance on investigative agencies and institutions like the Election Commission, a claim often raised by opposition parties in recent political debates.
The AAP leader described the raids linked to Ashok Mittal as a “sudden and massive action,” stating that the timing of the operation raises questions, especially with elections approaching in key states such as Punjab. He suggested that the move reflects a pattern of targeting opposition figures during politically sensitive periods.
Singh further emphasized that AAP leaders and workers remain united and will collectively respond to such developments, adding that he intends to raise the issue during parliamentary proceedings. He accused the BJP of attempting to gain electoral advantage through institutional pressure rather than political engagement.
He also warned that more such actions could take place in the run-up to elections, describing them as part of a recurring strategy. According to him, however, such efforts will not succeed in influencing voters in Punjab or elsewhere.
The Enforcement Directorate has not publicly responded to these specific allegations in this context, but such actions are typically part of ongoing investigations under financial and anti-money laundering laws. Political parties often interpret such developments differently, with ruling and opposition sides presenting contrasting narratives.
The episode highlights the continuing political friction between the ruling BJP and opposition parties, with allegations of agency misuse becoming a recurring theme in India’s electoral landscape.
