New Delhi: Delhi Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj has condemned the recent Enforcement Directorate (ED) raid on the residence of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Amanatullah Khan, accusing the Central Government of engaging in hooliganism and politically motivated actions. The raid is connected to a case involving alleged irregularities in the recruitment process for the Delhi Waqf Board, where Khan served as the chairman.Misuse of powerBhardwaj highlighted that the case against Khan dates back to 2016, when the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) investigated the matter. Khan was arrested, interrogated, and later granted bail by the court, which found no evidence of monetary transactions influencing recruitment decisions. Bhardwaj argued that the case had already been discredited, and the involvement of yet another agency—this time the ED—was a clear example of the Central Government misusing its power to target political opponents.Heres what he said:#WATCH | On ED search at AAP MLA Amantullah Khans residence, Delhi Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj says The Central Government is openly indulging in hooliganism. One rotten case related to recruitment in Waqf Board, in that case, the then Chairman of the Board and our MLA… pic.twitter.com/tU4WhIFCw8— ANI (@ANI) September 2, 2024Angle of hooliganismThe Central Government is openly indulging in hooliganism, Bhardwaj stated, emphasizing that the repeated investigations and raids are part of a larger strategy to intimidate and harass AAP leaders. He reminded the public that the interrogation of Khan continued late into the night, further illustrating what he described as the excessive and unjust actions taken against political rivals.EDs role in questioningBhardwajs comments come amid growing concerns about the role of central agencies in investigating opposition leaders. He questioned the need for a third agency to investigate the same case, especially when the court had already dismissed the allegations. The AAP minister called for an end to what he termed the Central Governments misuse of agencies against those who challenge its authority.
