15 April 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has strongly criticised the recent raids conducted by the Enforcement Directorate on properties linked to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Kumar Mittal, calling the action “typical Modi style.”
The remarks came shortly after ED teams carried out searches at multiple locations associated with Mittal and the Lovely Group, including premises in Jalandhar and Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara. The raids are part of an ongoing financial investigation, though the agency has not yet publicly detailed the specific allegations.
Reacting sharply to the development, Mann alleged that central agencies are being used to target opposition leaders. “This is typical Modi style,” he said, suggesting that such actions are politically motivated and aimed at pressuring leaders who are not aligned with the central government.
Mann’s comments reflect a broader narrative often put forward by the Aam Aadmi Party, which has repeatedly accused the central government of misusing investigative agencies like the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for political purposes.
The Enforcement Directorate, however, maintains that its actions are based on evidence and legal procedures. The agency typically conducts raids under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) as part of probes into financial irregularities.
The raids targeted multiple properties linked to Ashok Kumar Mittal, who is not only a Rajya Sabha MP but also the founder of the Lovely Group, which runs several educational institutions. Among them, Lovely Professional University is one of India’s largest private universities, with a significant student population.
According to sources, ED officials searched offices, residential premises, and institutional properties, collecting documents and digital data that could be relevant to the investigation. No arrests have been reported so far, and the probe is said to be at a preliminary stage.
The political fallout from the raids has been swift. AAP leaders have rallied behind Mittal, dismissing the action as an attempt to malign the party’s image ahead of key elections. Punjab is preparing for upcoming municipal corporation polls, making the timing of the raids particularly significant.
Opposition parties, however, have taken a different stance. Some leaders have called for transparency and accountability, urging authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations. They argue that if irregularities are found, appropriate legal action must be taken regardless of political affiliations.
The controversy has once again highlighted the ongoing tussle between the central government and opposition-ruled states. Similar accusations have surfaced in the past, with opposition leaders across the country claiming selective targeting by central agencies.
Legal experts note that ED raids are a standard part of financial investigations and do not necessarily imply guilt. The agency uses such searches to gather evidence, which may later form the basis for further action such as issuing summons or filing charges.
Meanwhile, operations at Lovely Professional University have continued without disruption. University authorities have not reported any impact on academic activities, and students have been attending classes as usual.
The incident has also sparked debate on the role of institutions linked to political figures. When business leaders enter politics, their organizations often come under greater scrutiny, especially during investigations involving financial matters.
Mann’s remarks have intensified the political discourse in Punjab, with both sides engaging in a war of words. While AAP maintains that the raids are politically driven, critics insist that investigations should be allowed to proceed without interference.
As of now, the Enforcement Directorate has not issued a detailed public statement outlining the charges or findings. Further clarity is expected as the probe progresses and more information becomes available.
The coming days could prove crucial, as any new developments—such as summons, official charges, or statements from the agency—may shape both the legal and political trajectory of the case.
In conclusion, the ED raids on properties linked to Ashok Mittal have triggered a sharp political reaction from Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who has accused the central government of using investigative agencies for political purposes. With the investigation still underway, the situation remains fluid, with both political and legal implications likely to unfold in the days ahead.
Summary
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann criticised ED raids on AAP MP Ashok Mittal-linked properties as politically motivated, calling it “typical Modi style,” while the agency continues its financial investigation without detailing allegations.