New Delhi: A fresh political storm erupted on Saturday after former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal alleged that central investigative agencies are being misused to pressure opposition leaders and weaken political parties.
His remarks came in the wake of a reported raid conducted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora in connection with an ongoing investigation. Reacting strongly, Kejriwal claimed that agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the ED are being used not for justice, but as tools of political intimidation.
Speaking to the media, Kejriwal said that such actions are part of a larger pattern where opposition leaders are allegedly targeted with raids and investigations, and then pressured to align with the ruling establishment. He accused the agencies of attempting to “break parties and threaten leaders into joining the BJP,” intensifying the political confrontation between the Aam Aadmi Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party.
He further argued that this approach weakens democratic institutions and creates fear among elected representatives. According to him, repeated investigative actions against opposition figures are damaging public trust in independent agencies.
The allegations triggered an immediate response from the Bharatiya Janata Party, which dismissed the claims as politically motivated and misleading. BJP leaders maintained that investigative agencies operate independently and act based on evidence, not political instructions. They also accused Kejriwal of trying to deflect attention from ongoing corruption investigations involving his party members.
Officials associated with the probe have not issued any detailed public statement beyond confirming that the investigation is part of an ongoing financial inquiry. Sources indicated that the case involves alleged irregularities that are currently under examination.
The latest exchange has further intensified the already strained political atmosphere between the Aam Aadmi Party and the BJP, particularly in the run-up to key political developments and upcoming elections in various states.
Opposition parties have repeatedly raised concerns over the functioning of central agencies, while the ruling side has consistently denied these allegations, insisting that law enforcement actions are based strictly on legal processes.
As the controversy continues, political observers note that such confrontations are likely to deepen the divide between the ruling party and opposition blocs, keeping investigative agencies at the centre of national political debate.
