The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has intensified its political attack amid a fresh controversy involving alleged links between party MP Raghav Chadha and senior BJP leaders, coinciding with Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids on Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal. The developments have triggered a sharp exchange of accusations between political parties, particularly with Punjab elections approaching.
AAP spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar alleged that there was a covert understanding between top BJP leadership and Raghav Chadha, claiming that both the ED raids and the change in Chadha’s security cover were part of a coordinated arrangement. Her remarks followed a recent shift in Chadha’s security status—while the Punjab government withdrew his Z+ category security, the Centre subsequently provided him with Z category security based on assessed threat perception, deploying paramilitary forces in both Delhi and Punjab.
Addressing the media, Kakkar claimed that her party had information from “verified sources” suggesting that a high-level meeting had taken place between BJP leaders and Chadha. According to her, it was decided in that meeting that Chadha would receive enhanced security while enforcement action would be initiated against Ashok Mittal. She argued that these developments were interconnected rather than coincidental, suggesting a larger political understanding behind them.
Kakkar further alleged that the ED raids were carried out at Chadha’s instance and criticised the decision to provide him upgraded security cover. She described the situation as unfortunate and questioned the timing of the raids, noting that they occurred just ahead of the Punjab elections. Emphasising her party’s position, she stated that “there are no coincidences in politics” and that the sequence of events pointed towards deliberate coordination.
In addition to targeting the BJP, Kakkar also made pointed remarks against Chadha, accusing him of turning against the party that had elevated him politically. She stated that AAP had given him opportunities and prominence, and suggested that his current actions were inconsistent with that background. Despite the allegations and ongoing developments, she asserted that the party would not be intimidated by enforcement actions and would continue its political work without fear.
The controversy was triggered after the Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at multiple locations linked to Ashok Mittal in Punjab and Haryana under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). The raids covered premises in cities such as Jalandhar and Phagwara. Mittal, a businessman and educationist, heads the Lovely Group and serves as the Chancellor of Lovely Professional University. He was recently appointed as AAP’s deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, replacing Raghav Chadha.
The political fallout has been immediate and intense. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann criticised the Centre, alleging that the raids were part of the BJP’s strategy ahead of the state elections. AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal echoed similar concerns, accusing the central government of misusing investigative agencies for political purposes. Other AAP leaders also alleged that institutions like the ED and CBI were being used as tools to exert pressure on opposition parties.
On the other hand, BJP leaders strongly rejected these allegations and counterattacked AAP. Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu criticised the party, alleging corruption and asserting that such actions were necessary for accountability. Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar also defended the Centre’s actions, stating that if the state government fails to act against corruption, central agencies are obligated to intervene.
The situation has thus evolved into a broader political confrontation, with both sides accusing each other of misconduct and misuse of power. As the investigation continues and elections draw closer, the issue is likely to remain a significant flashpoint in Punjab’s political landscape.
