The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) probes in Punjab have opened a fresh political front in the state, with BJP leader Sunil Jakhar challenging the AAP government to put all legislators cutting across party lines under a vigilance scanner ahead of the 2027 assembly elections.
Jakhar said that if the Bhagwant Mann government wanted to be seen as transparent, it should order a comprehensive inquiry into the assets of sitting MLAs.
The central agencies should not target only the AAP, he added. The latest flashpoint is the CBI investigation into the alleged corruption linked to the office of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The CBI subsequently registered a case and conducted searches at multiple locations in Punjab and Chandigarh. The investigation relates to allegations concerning postings and transfers, government files, licences, tenders, and land-related matters.
Jakhar said that if the Bhagwant Mann government wanted to be seen as transparent, it should order a comprehensive inquiry into the assets and conduct of sitting MLAs. “I am ready for it,” Jakhar said, insisting that the scrutiny should cover AAP, Congress, and MLAs from other parties as well. “I have seen that some legislators did not even have a cycle earlier, and now they have kothis, luxury vehicles, and a lavish lifestyle,” he said, calling for their assets to be examined against their known sources of income. Responding to the BJP, AAP Punjab spokesperson Neel Garg said the party has no problem with examining the assets of its MLAs as long as the probe is not limited to just the AAP. All political parties, including Congress and BJP, must also be probed, he said.
