Punjab News:ED Being Misused by Their Political Bosses, Its Timing Ahead of Elections Raises Questions: Aman Arora
ED, CBI And Election Commission Become Active Wherever Elections Approach: Aman Arora
Using Investigative Agencies To Intimidate Opposition Is Assault On Democracy: Aman Arora
Those Welcoming ED Action Against Opponents Today Should Remember It Can Reach Their Doorstep Tomorrow: Aman Arora
What Happens To Those Kept In Custody For Years If They Are Ultimately Acquitted, Who Compensates Their Loss: Aman Arora
BJP Can Hold As Many Rallies As It Wants, But People Of Punjab Will Not Pay Attention: Aman Arora
No Discussion In AAP On Inviting Captain Amarinder Singh: Aman Arora
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab President Aman Arora on Friday questioned the functioning and timing of the Enforcement Directorate (ED), particularly in the run-up to elections, pointing out that investigative agencies become active wherever elections were approaching. He said the use of agencies such as the ED and CBI to intimidate and pressure opposition parties was not justified and amounted to an assault on democracy.
During a media interaction, AAP Punjab President and Cabinet Minister Aman Arora said, “Whenever elections approach, agencies such as the ED and CBI, and even the Election Commission, suddenly become active. It gives the impression that these institutions are working according to their political bosses. Using investigative agencies to intimidate and put pressure on opposition parties is not justified. It is an assault on democracy.”
Taking a dig at the Congress, the AAP Punjab President said, “Those who are welcoming ED action against their political opponents today should remember that tomorrow the same agency can reach their doorstep. There are summons and cases involving senior Congress leaders as well. The larger issue is whether investigative agencies are being used for political purposes. You cannot support such action only when it benefits you politically.”
Questioning the functioning and conviction rate of investigative agencies, Aman Arora said their wide-ranging powers raised serious questions about the consequences for people who were arrested and kept in custody for prolonged periods. “A person can be arrested and kept in custody for months or even years. But if that person is ultimately acquitted, who compensates them for the loss they have suffered? Who returns those years of their life? These are serious questions that need to be asked when investigative agencies are given such sweeping powers,” he added.
Referring to AAP leaders Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain, Aman Arora said prolonged periods of custody and subsequent acquittals in cases he referred to had raised questions about the timing and manner in which such cases were pursued.
He said the timing of agency action becomes particularly questionable when elections are approaching and opposition leaders and parties are subjected to increased scrutiny.
On the BJP’s rallies and its ongoing campaign against drugs, Aman Arora said, “The BJP can hold as many rallies as it wants and carry out as many political activities as it wants. But the people of Punjab will not pay attention to these political exercises.”
On former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh’s recent remarks regarding his political position in the BJP, Aman Arora said Captain Amarinder Singh had himself expressed his disappointment and spoken about his political situation. He said he had sympathy and good wishes for him, while recalling that Captain Amarinder Singh had always been known for speaking his mind openly.
Asked whether AAP could invite Captain Amarinder Singh to join the party, Aman Arora categorically said that no such discussion had taken place.