Somnath Bharti Claims BJP Exploits ED and CBI Against Opponents
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Synopsis
On April 17, AAP leader Somnath Bharti criticized the BJP for misusing central investigative agencies like the ED and CBI to undermine opposition leaders, particularly following a CBI raid on AAP leader Durgesh Pathak's residence, which was viewed as politically motivated.
Key Takeaways
- Somnath Bharti accuses BJP of using ED and CBI against opposition.
- Recent raid on Durgesh Pathak seen as politically motivated.
- Frequent use of these agencies has become routine under BJP.
- Bharti claims Gujarat elections are influencing raids.
- Robert Vadra's case labeled a friendly match between parties.
New Delhi, April 17 (NationPress) AAP leader Somnath Bharti accused the BJP, on Thursday, of consistently exploiting central investigative agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as instruments to target leaders of the Opposition.
This statement followed a CBI raid at the home of senior AAP leader Durgesh Pathak, which the party asserted was politically motivated.
In an interview with IANS, Bharti remarked, “There's a well-known English saying, ‘When a dog bites a man, it’s not news. But when a man bites a dog, it is.’ Under the BJP administration, raids by the ED or CBI on opposition leaders have become so frequent that they no longer catch anyone off guard. However, if these agencies were to pursue BJP leaders, that would actually be news.”
He further stated, “This has turned into a routine occurrence. The utilization of the ED and CBI as political weapons has become standard procedure under the BJP government.”
Bharti also suggested that the timing of the raid on Pathak was politically motivated, considering his rising stature within the party and his recent role as co-in-charge for AAP’s Gujarat campaign in anticipation of the 2027 state elections.
“There is significant anti-incumbency in Gujarat. The Congress has never genuinely challenged the BJP there. However, AAP’s entry has disrupted their status quo. AAP has given the BJP sleepless nights, and this raid is a response to that. Just as in previous instances, they will find nothing because there is nothing to discover,” Bharti claimed.
On the ongoing ED investigation involving businessman Robert Vadra, the son-in-law of former Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Bharti referred to it as a “friendly match” between the BJP and Congress.
He stated, “During the Congress regime, no actions were taken against BJP leaders, and vice versa. These raids are often mere formalities—investigative procedures without real ramifications. It’s as if they carry out all the processes but do not make any arrests.”
Robert Vadra is presently undergoing questioning by the ED regarding a money laundering case associated with a 2008 land transaction in Shikohpur, Haryana.
