CBI Searches CM Mann's Office; AAP Alleges Political Motive

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has accused the BJP-led Centre of using the CBI and Enforcement Directorate to target his government ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections after the CBI conducted searches at his camp office and other locations. Mann called the action a sign of the BJP’s “desperation to gain a foothold in the state” and alleged that central agencies could be used to damage his government’s reputation.

The CBI has registered a corruption case involving an officer on special duty to Mann and other senior officials and conducted searches at multiple locations, including the chief minister’s camp office. Mann said the BJP had started preparing for the Punjab elections and alleged that the CBI and ED would be “misused” in the state. He also claimed that the action reflected the BJP’s concern over the support he was receiving from people in Punjab.

The CBI action followed directions from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which ordered a probe by the federal agency after taking note of material shared by the Enforcement Directorate that prima facie indicated involvement in alleged corruption. The allegations under investigation include possible interference in postings of IAS and IPS officers, departmental proceedings, policy decisions, tender conditions, licences, change of land use matters and issues involving property and the Revenue Department.

Also Read: Punjab Government Approaches Supreme Court Against High Court Order For CBI Investigation

Mann’s allegations were backed by AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, who accused the BJP of relying on central agencies because it could not win Punjab through elections alone. Punjab AAP chief Aman Arora also linked the raids to the 2027 polls, alleging that the BJP was uneasy with the AAP government’s work. Both leaders said they believed voters would respond to the CBI action through the ballot.

The BJP rejected the political allegations and said the CBI was acting on the High Court’s directions. Senior BJP leader Tarun Chugh demanded Mann’s resignation on moral grounds and said the investigation should be allowed to proceed through the judicial process. He said the allegations should be tested through evidence and maintained that if they were unfounded, the investigation would establish that as well.

Opposition parties in Punjab also targeted the AAP government following the searches. Congress leaders Partap Singh Bajwa and Pargat Singh criticised Mann over the CBI action, while Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Badal said the raids had sent shockwaves through the state’s political establishment. Punjab BJP chief Kewal Singh Dhillon urged the AAP government to cooperate with the probe, while the CBI investigation continues under the directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

Also Read: LPU Suspends Classes For 10 Days After Violent Protests, CM Bhagwant Mann Vows Strict Action