AAP slams ED action against Punjab minister, to gherao BJP offices tomorrow

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said AAP will gherao BJP offices across the state on May 10. The announcement sharpens the AAP-BJP confrontation as Cheema alleges central agencies are being used against opposition leaders.

In Short

• Cheema alleged central agencies act selectively only in opposition-ruled states
• He cited Ashok Mittal searches before the industrialist joined BJP
• Cheema claimed Sanjeev Arora was arrested after refusing to switch sides

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Friday announced that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will stage protests outside Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) offices across the state on May 10, alleging misuse of central agencies and attempts to undermine democracy.

Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, Cheema accused the BJP of targeting opposition leaders through investigative agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED). He claimed that central agencies were being selectively used in opposition-ruled states, while no such action was seen in states governed by the BJP.

Cheema cited recent developments involving industrialist-turned-politician Ashok Mittal and AAP leader Sanjeev Arora to support his allegations. According to him, the ED had conducted searches at Mittal’s residence before he joined the BJP. He further alleged that Arora, who refused to switch allegiance, was subsequently arrested. “This shows a clear pattern of pressure tactics,” Cheema said.

The minister also alleged that the BJP was attempting to destabilise opposition parties and weaken democratic institutions. “Democracy and the Constitution are under threat. Punjabis have always stood up for the nation, and they will respond strongly to such tactics,” he added.

Cheema further claimed that the BJP was harbouring ambitions of coming to power in Punjab through “unfair means” and warned that people in the state would reject any such attempts. He also referred to recent developments where the ED reportedly named AAP leader Aman Arora in connection with alleged links to certain builders, calling it part of a larger conspiracy against the party.

The announcement of statewide protests comes amid ongoing political tensions between the ruling AAP and the BJP. Cheema said party workers would “gherao” BJP offices across Punjab as a mark of protest against what he described as the Centre’s “anti-democratic actions.”

"A siege will be carried out tomorrow on all BJP offices across Punjab !!," read a tweet by Cheema.

The development also comes at a time when the Punjab government is facing pressure from its employees over demands related to dearness allowance (DA), assured career progression (ACP), and other benefits, adding another layer to the state’s evolving political landscape.

The BJP has not yet responded to the allegations.

- Ends