Chandigarh: Senior BJP leader and former Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann following an Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation into alleged irregularities and the reported involvement of intermediaries linked to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).

Bittu claimed that the ED findings refer to 61 instances of suspected wrongdoing in the CMO, and said the allegations raise serious questions about the functioning of the Punjab government.

He demanded that Mann resign and give a detailed explanation to the people of Punjab.

Bittu Raises Questions Over CMO Functioning

Bittu alleged that the ED material refers to suspected interference in transfers and postings, policy and administrative decisions, arms-licence matters, land and real-estate dealings, access to confidential government information, and alleged payments and other benefits.

He said the issue was not limited to any one individual and questioned how intermediaries and people operating around the CMO could allegedly influence government decisions.

Bittu said the Chief Minister should explain who authorised such a system, who benefited from it and how far the alleged chain of influence extended.

WhatsApp Chats Under Scanner

The BJP leader said the ED had referred to WhatsApp communications and other material allegedly indicating the involvement of Nitin Gohal in influencing transfers and postings of government officials.

He also claimed that the ED document referred to the alleged circulation of draft transfer orders and confidential information before such matters became public.

Bittu said these allegations required a thorough investigation and accountability.

BJP Warns of Statewide Protest

Bittu said the Punjab BJP would continue to raise the issue through democratic and legal forums until accountability was established.

He also criticised the Aam Aadmi Party’s promise of “Badlaav”, saying the allegations involving transfers, licences, land, tenders and money were contrary to the promise of transparent governance.

Referring to the ED material concerning alleged payments, kickbacks and other benefits, Bittu said the allegations were serious and should be investigated fully.

He demanded that Mann come before the people and respond to the allegations surrounding the functioning of his office.

“The people of Punjab deserve answers, not slogans,” Bittu said, calling for accountability over the allegations.