BJP's way of working ahead of elections: Bhagwant Mann on CBI raids
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has criticized the BJP following a CBI raid on his officer-on-special duty regarding a corruption case. Mann claims the investigation is politically motivated and intended to harass opposition leaders ahead of upcoming elections.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing tension between regional opposition parties and the central government regarding the use of federal investigative agencies in Indian politics.
A day after the CBI raided his officer-on-special duty (OSD) in a corruption case, on Wednesday (October 7, 2026), Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said it was the BJP's "way of working" ahead of the election and claimed that the agency found nothing incriminating.
The CBI on Tuesday (October 6) registered a corruption case involving an OSD to Mr. Mann and other officers at the direction of the Punjab and Haryana High Court and raided several locations, including the chief minister's "camp office", officials said.
Directing a probe by the federal agency, the High Court earlier noted that the material shared by the Enforcement Directorate prima facie indicated the officers' involvement in acts of corruption.
Speaking to reporters in Dhuri in Sangrur, Mr. Mann lashed out at the BJP, accusing it of misusing central agencies whenever elections are due.
Also covering this story
2 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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