No truth in ED letters, BJP resorts to cheap tactics: CM Mann; Watch Video
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, August 19, 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday alleged that there was no truth in the letters issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and accused the BJP of using “cheap tactics” to target political opponents.
Mann made the remarks while reacting to the arrest of former Delhi minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Satyendar Jain, which he described as a clear case of “political vendetta”.
“Central agencies like the ED are being misused by the Centre to intimidate and suppress opposition leaders. This is not good for democracy,” Mann said.
Questioning the BJP’s actions, Mann alleged that the party was resorting to such tactics because it had failed to establish a political foothold in Punjab. He said Jain’s arrest was linked to his role as AAP’s Punjab in-charge.
“This is how the BJP operates. They are rattled; they have been unable to gain a foothold in Punjab, which is why they contemplated arresting him, given that he is the in-charge for AAP in Punjab,” Mann said.
Mann also referred to action against AAP leaders in Delhi, alleging that opposition leaders had been targeted for raising their voices against the BJP. He cited the detention of Sanjay Singh and referred to the legal proceedings involving former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
He alleged that the use of investigative agencies against opposition leaders during elections was an “anti-democratic” practice. Mann also accused those questioning his government of having “sold Punjab” and said they had no moral standing to question the state’s interests.
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Separately, Mann highlighted the Punjab government’s sports programme, Khedan Vatan Punjab Dian Season 4, which is scheduled to begin in Bathinda on September 5. He said more than 10 lakh players are expected to participate, with the concluding event scheduled for November 29 in Patiala.
He said the state has allocated ₹1,794 crore for sports and is developing 3,148 sports grounds and 6,000 gyms in villages. He also said the government was focusing on sports medicine as part of its efforts to promote sports among youngsters and combat drug abuse.
On patriotism, Mann said Punjab and its people did not need certificates from anyone to prove their loyalty to the country or the Tricolour. He claimed that Punjabis had made a major contribution to the country’s sacrifices and struggles.