Chandigarh, Nov 4 (IANS) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Union government over repeated raids by central agencies against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, asserting that the BJP and its agencies could conduct as many raids as they wanted, but nothing would deter the AAP government from working relentlessly for the people of the state.
Reacting to raids at the residence of AAP MLA Amandeep Kaur, CM Mann said that central agencies were being directed by the BJP to target opposition leaders and suppress dissent, but would find nothing against AAP leaders who had been serving people with honesty and dedication.
The Chief Minister said intimidation, political vendetta and conspiracies would neither weaken AAP nor derail Punjab’s development agenda, adding the Union government should focus on addressing people’s concerns rather than misusing investigative agencies to settle political scores.
CM Mann told the media here that the Centre “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 and discharging their responsibilities with dedication”.
“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.”
Chief Minister Mann said that instead of using investigative agencies to settle political scores, the Union government should focus on addressing the concerns of the people.
“Political conspiracies and pressure tactics cannot distract us from fulfilling the promises made to Punjabis.”
Responding to a query regarding political rallies, CM Mann said, “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 and participate in political activities, and everyone has the constitutional right to do so.”
On another query, the Chief Minister added that “merely becoming an MLA is 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”.
–IANS
vg/khz
