Political Raids or Vendetta? The Gill-BJP-AAP Saga Unfolds

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) executed a series of raids targeting properties associated with ex-Akali leader Ranjit Singh Gill, prompting sharp responses from political counterparts. The raids occurred a day after Gill aligned himself with the BJP, leading the saffron party to denounce the action as a result of political hostility.

Accusations flew as BJP leaders, including Punjab's Subhash Sharma, criticized the AAP government for what they termed a misuse of power, alleging pressure tactics were employed to coerce Gill into joining AAP before his switch to BJP. Sharma condemned the perceived 'political vendetta,' asserting it was an attempt to intimidate newly-aligned competitors.

Despite the controversy, Gill, a once close ally of the Shiromani Akali Dal chief, defends his decision to embrace the BJP's vision for Punjab under Prime Minister Modi. As founder of the real estate firm Gillco Group, his political shift marks a significant moment in Punjab's political dynamics.

(With inputs from agencies.)