‘Satyendra Jain arrest a political move to target AAP in Punjab’: CM Mann; Watch Video
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, August 19, 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday described the arrest of former Delhi minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Satyendar Jain as a “clear example of political vendetta” and accused the BJP-led Centre of using central agencies to target opposition leaders.
Mann alleged that Jain was targeted because he is the AAP in-charge for Punjab, claiming that the BJP has been unable to establish a political foothold in the state.
“This is how the BJP operates. They are rattled; they have been unable to gain a foothold in Punjab, which is why they contemplated arresting him, given that he is the in-charge for AAP in Punjab,” Mann said.
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The Punjab Chief Minister alleged that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and other central agencies were being misused to intimidate and suppress political opponents.
“Central agencies like the ED are being misused to frighten and pressure opposition leaders. This is not good for democracy,” Mann said.
Mann also compared Jain’s arrest with action against other AAP leaders in Delhi. Referring to Sanjay Singh, he alleged that the AAP leader was detained for raising issues in Parliament. He also referred to the legal proceedings involving former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal while accusing the BJP of targeting prominent opposition leaders during elections.
Mann further alleged that the ED-related letters being circulated contained no truth and accused the BJP of resorting to “cheap tactics” against political opponents.
The Punjab Chief Minister said such actions were “anti-democratic” and alleged that the use of investigative agencies for political purposes undermined democratic institutions.