BJP govt manipulating central agencies, says D Raja

Speaking to ETV Bharat, D Raja, CPI general secretary alleged that central agencies like CBI, ED and NIA are being used by the Modi-led central government to crush the opposition parties. He was referring to the grilling of former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah by the Enforcement Directorate on Monday.

New Delhi: A day after National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case, the Left parties accused the BJP led central government of manipulating the Central agencies for their own benefit.

Speaking to ETV Bharat, D Raja, CPI general secretary the central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation and National Investigation Agency (NIA) are being used by the central government to crush the opposition parties.

"Anybody questions the government, that person is labelled as anti-national. If anybody criticises the policy of the Central government, that person is called anti-national. UAPA, sedition charges and all other draconian laws are slapped against the people," said Raja.

He was referring to the grilling of former J&K chief minister Farooq Abdullah by ED on Monday.

Raja said, "Farooq Abdullah is a very senior politician, a former Chief Minister and the central government should not have treated him in this manner."

"...Suddenly ED found some serious issues against Farooq Abdullah. They have woken up after the mainstream political parties in J&K adopted a declaration demanding restoration of Article 370, restoration of the statehood of J&K... ED started raids. The timing of such raids is highly suspicious," said Raja.

He said that similar incidents are happening across India. Political parties in J&K have also vehemently criticised the timing of the movements of ED.

Raja said the BJP will certainly face the result of such manipulation in the coming state elections.

"Nobody can take people for granted. But the incumbent central government has crossed all boundaries. Whether it is students, politicians, MPs, social activists or intellectuals, the government is utilising central agencies to suppress their views," said Raja.

Raja said that his party will raise this issue in the coming Assembly election in different states.

When asked reminded about the similar practices of the previous UPA regime, Raja said, "Let's not get into the past, we are in the present and we will have to confront these issues today. Saving the constitution and the country in present should be our aim."