‘Let Opposition Survive’: Farooq Abdullah Takes Dig At BJP Over ED Raids

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of ‘creating fear’ and highlighted the importance of allowing the opposition to survive for the sake of democracy in the country.

Abdullah's statements came in the wake of recent Enforcement Directorate raids on opposition leaders related to money laundering allegations ahead of upcoming state assembly elections in five states.

"They (BJP) are trying to create fear...One day, they'll also be treated the same. If they really want a democracy, they must let the opposition survive. Killing the opposition will not strengthen the country...", Farooq, the former Union Minister said, as reported by news agency ANI.

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These remarks followed the summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for questioning in the Delhi Excise policy case. In the same case, the former Delhi Education Minister Manish Sisodia and AAP MP Sanjay Singh are already in judicial custody.

The BJP-led Central government has consistently defended the actions of the investigating agencies, refuting claims of "political vendetta" from the opposition.

Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, facing allegations of a Rs 508 crore deal with Mahadev app promoters, said that the Bharatiya Janata Party is targeting him out of fear. He accused them of attempting to tarnish his reputation through the Enforcement Directorate.

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Earlier on Friday, the ED reported intercepting Asim Das, a cash courier from the UAE, who was allegedly sent to deliver a substantial sum for election expenses of the ruling Congress party in Chhattisgarh. According to ED, Das confessed that Rs 508 crore had been paid to the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister by Mahadev APP Promoters. 

Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and Mizoram are scheduled to hold elections from November 7 to 30, with vote counting on December 3.