CBI Raids Bhagwant Mann’s Camp Office: CM Accuses BJP Of Political Vendetta Ahead Of Punjab Polls

CBI conducted searches at multiple locations in Punjab and Chandigarh, including the camp office of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, as part of a corruption investigation involving his Officer on Special Duty (OSD) Rajbir Singh Ghuman and others.

The action has created a standoff between the government and the BJP in Punjab and it has urged Mann to take the Centre to court over its allegations of targeting his government through central investigative bodies ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in 2027. The BJP has denied the charge, saying the CBI probe had come on the orders of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

CBI probes eight places

CBI conducted coordinated searches across eight locations related to the case, such as Mann's camp office in Sector 2, Chandigarh, and Ghuman and other accused's related locations.

Laptops, cell phones and papers were recovered at the searches, the agency said. The material is being investigated as part of an ongoing investigation.

The case is related to allegations of corruption and using influence within the government relating to appointments, decision making, tender conditions, licensing and other administrative aspects. The allegations are still being investigated and haven't been proved in court.

Bhagwant Mann says the BJP is using agencies to its own benefit

Responding to the action taken by the CBI, Mann claimed the BJP was prepping up for the next elections in Punjab and that it was trying to tarnish the image of his government through agency actions like CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED).

The raid on his camp office was part of an effort to target the elected state government and he said the BJP was disturbed by the support he was getting in Punjab, Mann said.

AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal had also alleged that the BJP was attempting to use central agencies to contest elections in Punjab and other leaders in the party had pointed out the connection between the CBI move and the coming elections.

Probe follow HC order in Punjab and Haryana high courts

The CBI investigation was begun as per the directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

The court directed the central agency to register a case and investigate the material gathered by the ED and point out alleged corruption and influence-peddling. The allegations made reportedly include attempts to influence government postings and transfers, policy decisions, administrative approvals, tenders, licences and land-related matters.

Punjab government has appealed the High Courts' order before the Supreme Court

BJP rejects political allegations against Mann

The BJP has rejected the notion that investigation by the CBI was politically motivated and has stated that it is being carried out in accordance with the instructions of the High Court.

Punjab BJP leaders have urged the Mann government to cooperate with the investigation and let the investigative and judicial proceedings proceed as they are.

BJP leader Kewal Singh Dhillon pointed out that an investigation by the High Court cannot be blamed on the BJP by the state government. BJP has always said that the allegations should be dealt with on the basis of facts and not politics.

Opposition Trains Guns On AAP Government

The CBI searches have also provided an excuse for the opposition parties to attack the Mann government in Punjab.

Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal leaders have questioned the allegations brought against the Office of the Chief Minister and demanded that the investigation determine if there was any corruption or improper influence.

The case has so far made for a widening political argument in Punjab in the run-up to the 2027 Assembly elections, as the AAP accuses the central agencies of misusing their powers while the BJP and opposition parties demand that the allegations of corruption be investigated.

The CBI investigation is still underway and the charges against the persons listed in the case have not been substantiated.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susmita Modak

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Always love to raise the unraised matter. In a world of worries, I am always ready to come over my comfort zone and taking the step ahead of spreading awareness.

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