BJP preparing for Punjab elections through agencies: CM Mann

April 17, 2026

Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday accused the BJP of launching its election campaign in the state through central agencies.

Referring to the recent ED raids on the homes of AAP leaders, he said that the party, which is unable to find 117 candidates, is creating an atmosphere of fear instead of winning public support.

Allegations of harassing opposition governments
The Chief Minister said that non-BJP governments are being harassed by withholding funds, governors, the ED, the CBI, and the Election Commission.

He alleged that leaders who join the BJP are washed away in its “washing machine.”

‘AAP is not going to be afraid’
CM Mann said that the Aam Aadmi Party is not going to be intimidated by these pressures.

He said Punjabis can have their heads chopped off but will not bow down, and advised the BJP to work among the people for the 2027 elections.

Questions raised on democracy
Mann said that democracy in the country is being gradually weakened and opposition states are being targeted.

Referring to the cases of Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and Sanjay Singh, he said that AAP leaders were targeted by investigative agencies.

Same pattern in other states
CM Mann said that similar actions are being seen in other states before the elections.

Referring to the ED action against AAP MP Ashok Mittal, he called it politically motivated.