Chandigarh, September 23, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday accused the BJP-led Centre of using central agencies to intimidate Punjabis and AAP leaders, alleging that the recent Enforcement Directorate (ED) searches were aimed at disrupting the functioning of the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) and creating hurdles for welfare schemes of the Bhagwant Mann government.
The ED has been conducting searches at GMADA’s headquarters and other locations in Punjab, Chandigarh, Haryana and Delhi as part of a money-laundering investigation into alleged financial irregularities.
In a statement, the AAP alleged that the BJP had lost political ground in Punjab and was therefore resorting to central agencies to put pressure on the state government and its functionaries. The party said such action could affect the functioning of GMADA, which it described as an important institution for planned development in Mohali.
“The BJP is unable to stop the welfare schemes through political means, so attempts are now being made to create administrative pressure and obstacles. The people of Punjab will not allow these tactics to succeed,” the party said.
The AAP specifically alleged that welfare initiatives, including the Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, were being targeted because of their direct impact on women across Punjab. The party said attempts to create administrative hurdles would not prevent the state government from implementing its welfare commitments.
Referring to recent criticism of the Election Commission by AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, the party alleged that the Modi government had become increasingly concerned and was resorting to pressure tactics against Punjabis.
The AAP also questioned the ED’s actions, asking why the agency was allegedly entering vacant premises and breaking locks while, in the party’s words, questions remained over action against the drug trade at Mundra Port.
The party accused the BJP-led Centre of attempting to create an atmosphere of fear among Punjab government officers through central agencies.
“Central agencies cannot manufacture political support for PM Modi and the BJP in Punjab,” the AAP said.
The party also invoked Punjab’s history of resistance to intimidation, saying Punjabis would not be deterred by pressure from the Election Commission, ED or any other agency.
Describing the Centre’s approach as “Aurangzeb-like”, the AAP alleged that attempts were being made to frighten and suppress Punjab through pressure and force. It said neither raids nor agency action would weaken its commitment to the state or its government’s welfare programmes.
The party said it would continue to oppose what it described as attempts to obstruct the functioning of the Bhagwant Mann government, its welfare schemes and development-related institutions.
The allegations by the AAP come as the ED’s searches linked to the GMADA-related probe continue. The agency’s investigation and the allegations surrounding the searches remain subject to the ongoing probe.
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