Using the investigative agencies CBI, ED, I-T, whether it is in Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s NDA or UPA governments, everyone in power has left no stone unturned to intimidate the opposition.
And therefore it is not surprising that the ruling saffron party too is using these agencies particularly the CBI and the ED, to further its own political motives.
The filing of an FIR by Enforcement Directorate (ED) against Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar, nephew Ajit Pawar and others in money laundering case is a signifier of that relationship.
Also, several former directors of Maharashtra State Co-operative Bank were booked in connection with a Rs 25,000-crore loan scam.
Why Intimidating or Terrorising
Because… the rising popularity of these opposition parties in national and regional level dare to stand up triggered panic button for the political bosses since their overwhelming response would totally be wiped of the ruling party.
In case of NCP Chief, who, for the 10 days has been vigorously campaigning in rural Maharashtra and has literally captured the rural areas.
Suspicious Timing
The raids conducted by these agencies nowadays raise suspicion. Also, the raids are conducted soon after an Opposition show of strength.
The setback for the Pawars, Anandrao Adsul, and a clutch of other Maharashtra politicians comes a month before next Assembly election in the state same as the case of Mamata Benerjee government faced before the Lok Sabha elections.
The NCP had won 41 seats in the 2014 Assembly elections.
Single-phase voting for Maharashtra Assembly elections will be held on October 21 and the counting of votes is scheduled on October 24.