Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday dismissed allegations made by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) about 61 alleged wrongdoings in the Chief Minister’s Office. In his first response to the ED letter, Mann called the allegations baseless and accused the BJP of using “anti-democratic” tactics against political opponents.
Reacting to the ED communication, Mann said the agency was making allegations without any basis. “The ED party, referring to the BJP, keeps writing anything. There is no truth in what has been written. They only target their political opponents. I don’t need any certificate of honesty from anyone,” he said.
In its letter to the Punjab DGP, the ED has sought registration of an FIR against people allegedly close to Rajbir Singh Ghuman, OSD to the Chief Minister. The agency has alleged interference in the posting and transfer of officials, policy decisions, tender processes, land transactions and the issuance of arms licences.
Mann, who has faced criticism from the Opposition over the matter, hit back at his political rivals. He said they should first address problems within their own parties before questioning his government.
“The way the BJP operates, using central agencies as political tools, is anti-democratic. Opposition leaders are arrested before elections. This is the kind of ‘ghatiya rajneeti’ they repeat during every election,” Mann said.
Asked about the arrest of former Delhi minister and AAP Punjab co-incharge Satyendra Jain in Delhi on Tuesday night, Mann said the move was politically motivated. He claimed Jain was targeted because of his role in Punjab and that the BJP wanted to weaken the AAP by going after its senior leaders.
“They did the same thing in Delhi before the 2025 elections. But this time they have gone wrong. Jain has been arrested over a tender issued by the Delhi Jal Board when he was in jail. How could he have been involved? We now have faith in the court,” Mann said.
On the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) notice to the Punjab government over the non-observance of Independence Day celebrations in government schools, Mann said Punjab did not need lessons in patriotism. He said Punjabis had made a major contribution to the country's freedom struggle and their sacrifices were unmatched.
On parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara, a convict in the former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh assassination case, Mann said the BJP would have to take a decision on the matter. He reiterated that maintaining law and order in the state was the responsibility of his government.
Mann also announced the fourth edition of “Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan”, saying nearly 10 lakh players from different age groups were expected to take part this year.
The sporting event was launched in 2022 and has seen participation rise steadily. Around 3.5 lakh players took part in the first edition, nearly four lakh in the second and around 4.35 lakh in the third, he said.
This year's event will begin in Bathinda on September 5, while the closing ceremony will be held in Patiala on September 29. Tennis-ball cricket has been added as a new sport. Special events for para-athletes, including para athletics, para powerlifting and wheelchair basketball, will be held in Ludhiana.
Mann said the government was supporting athletes preparing for the Olympics and Commonwealth Games through financial assistance, diet and other facilities. He also highlighted sports infrastructure developed during his government's tenure. The Chief Minister said Rs 1,794 crore had been allocated this year for players and sports-related activities.
Follow us
