The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is carrying out raids at multiple locations linked to AAP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal and his son, days after Mittal was appointed the party's deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha, replacing Raghav Chadha following the latter's public fallout with Arvind Kejriwal's party.
According to reports, ED teams carried out searches at 8 to 9 locations, including premises in Gurugram and Punjab. Raids were conducted at the MP’s residence, his son’s properties, and a farmhouse.
Mittal is the owner of the Lovely Professional University in Jalandhar. Officials suspect irregularities related to funds. As part of the investigation, ED teams also reached the university premises in Jalandhar.
The searches are ongoing as agencies examine documents and financial records linked to the case.
Kejriwal, Bhagwant Mann hit out at BJP
Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal vowed a strong response to the ED action, saying, "Modi ji has started preparations for the elections in Punjab. But the people of Punjab will not tolerate this. They will give a befitting reply to the BJP.”
Reacting to the developments, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann claimed the raids on Mittal were a tactic by the BJP for the state assembly elections.
"BJP begins preparations for Punjab elections… ED raids at the home and university of AAP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal..typical Modi style," Mann wrote in a post on X.
"We are not leaves that will fall from branches, Tell the storms to stay within their limits," he added in a poetic jibe.
Mittal's elevation after Raghav Chadha's demotion
The ED raids on properties linked to Mittal come just days after he was elevated to the position of AAP’s Rajya Sabha deputy leader, replacing Raghav Chadha.
Chadha’s removal from the key post had sparked talk of internal friction within the party, though Mittal described the move as routine. “Raghav Chadha is our senior leader and will continue to remain so. I have taken over from him just as he took over from ND Gupta earlier. AAP is a democratic party and believes in giving opportunities to different leaders to raise important issues,” the AAP MP said.
Also read: Raghav Chadha rejects AAP allegations of failing to raise Punjab's issues in Parliament
