Chandigarh, September 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO on Thursday strongly condemned the Enforcement Directorate (ED) searches in Punjab and questioned the manner in which the agency conducted a search at the residence of the nephew of Cabinet colleague Hardeep Singh Mundian in Sahnewal, Ludhiana district.
ETO said investigative agencies have the legal right to conduct investigations in accordance with the law, but their actions should not become a means of exerting political pressure on elected representatives or their families.
Referring to allegations raised by Hardeep Singh Mundian regarding the search at his nephew’s residence and alleged harassment of women and children, ETO said the concerns could not simply be brushed aside.
He particularly objected to allegations that family members were asked to convey a message to the minister to leave the Aam Aadmi Party, saying such allegations raised questions about the manner in which the investigative exercise was conducted.
“Punjab cannot be intimidated through ED raids or threats. Punjabis are fearless and such pressure tactics will not make the elected representatives of Punjab bow before anyone,” ETO said.
The Cabinet Minister also questioned the timing and manner of the ED action, referring to searches at GMADA and other locations along with the search at the residence of the minister’s nephew.
ETO said the Aam Aadmi Party leadership would continue to cooperate with lawful proceedings while opposing what he described as attempts to use investigative agencies for political intimidation. He said the party would continue to raise issues concerning the rights and dignity of citizens.
He said people in Punjab were closely watching the developments and would distinguish between legitimate investigation and political pressure. According to ETO, democratic institutions derive their credibility from fairness, transparency and adherence to the law, and agencies must operate within their lawful mandate.
The minister said the Punjab Government would remain focused on governance and public welfare and continue to discharge its constitutional responsibilities. He also alleged that the BJP should face the people on the basis of its policies, performance and public record rather than, as he alleged, using central agencies to create fear.
ETO further alleged that the detention and alleged pressuring of Punjab government officials by the ED was against democratic values.
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