Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Accuses BJP Of Misusing CBI For Harassment Ahead Of Upcoming Elections

The Hindu•Published: Oct 7, 2026 04:04 PM IST

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has slammed recent Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) raids on his officer-on-special duty as a politically motivated tactic by the BJP ahead of elections. Mann asserted that federal agencies are routinely weaponized against opposition figures to exert pressure and defame rival political parties.

High Court Directive: The CBI investigation and subsequent raids were initiated following a directive from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which noted material from the Enforcement Directorate indicated prima facie corruption.
No Incriminating Evidence: Mann claimed that the extensive 7-to-8-hour raids yielded no incriminating findings, WhatsApp chats, or proof of corrupt practices against his office.
Wider Political Allegations: The AAP leader cited similar actions against opposition figures in West Bengal, Jharkhand, Delhi, and Haryana to argue that the BJP targets rivals prior to polls.

The Context & Background

The CBI action follows a formal judicial order noting suspected corruption involving officials connected to the Punjab Chief Minister's camp office. Mann dismissed the allegations as an attempt to arm-twist his administration and defended his government's integrity.

Why it matters:This clash highlights the intensifying political friction between regional opposition parties and the central government over the deployment of federal law enforcement agencies. The controversy underscores growing debates regarding judicial oversight, federalism, and the integrity of anti-corruption probes ahead of crucial electoral cycles.

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