ED searches AAP MP; CM targets PM, says political vendetta

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Written by: Kanchan Vasdev, Anju Agnihotri Chaba2 min readChandigarh, JalandharApr 16, 2026 05:00 AM IST AAP MP Ashok Kumar Mittal’s residence in Jalandhar. PTI Make us preferred source on Google Whatsapp twitter Facebook Reddit PRINT The ED on Wednesday conducted searches against AAP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Kumar Mittal, who recently replaced AAP MP Raghav Chadha as the party’s deputy leader in RS, and educational institutions promoted by him and his family in Punjab and Haryana as part of a probe under FEMA, officials said. Condemning the raids, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann termed it a “typical Modi-style” political vendetta ahead of the Punjab elections. “BJP has started preparations for Punjab elections. ED raids at AAP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal’s house and university…typical Modi style…” he said in a post on X. Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu hit back, saying AAP was a party of “thieves and robbers” and under PM Narendra Modi’s “Swachh Bharat” initiative, “dirt” will be cleaned. The ED conducted searches at 10 locations in Jalandhar, its nearby areas and Gurgaon. They include Lovely Professional University (LPU) at Phagwara in Kapurthala district, Tetr College of Business and Masters Union College of Business, both in Gurgaon, as well as businesses such as Lovely Autos and Lovely Sweets. Mittal is the founder-chancellor of the LPU. The ED, officials said, is looking at certain overseas financial transactions of the three educational institutions. AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal in a post on X in Hindi, he said, “Modi ji has started preparations for elections in Punjab. But, the people of Punjab will not tolerate this… they would give a befitting reply to the BJP.” Kanchan Vasdev is a Senior Assistant Editor in The Indian Express’ Punjab bureau. She is a highly experienced journalist with 22 years of expertise covering high-stakes politics, governance, and social issues in Northern India. Professional Background Role: Primary reporter covering the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), government policies, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership in the state. Experience: She previously worked with The Tribune and has played a key role in launching various city editions. Special Projects: Abandoned Brides: Authored a monograph on brides abandoned by NRIs as part of the Prabha Dutt Memorial Fellowship. Environment: Worked as a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) fellow, focusing on the pollution levels in the Satluj river. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reporting focuses on the legislative strategies and political maneuvers of the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government: 1. Legislative & Governance Standoffs "Punjab govt advances special Assembly session to pass resolution against VB-G RAM G Bill" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the state's move to block the Centre's "Viksit Bharat" mission, which the state claims will undermine MGNREGA. "Punjab govt doubles down on special sessions, sixth in January" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing the AAP government's use of special sessions as a legislative tool amid tensions with the Governor. "Punjab asks 'VIP teachers' working near Chandigarh to go back to border districts" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on CM Mann's move to end the practice of influential teachers avoiding postings in remote areas. 2. Political Analysis & Rural Polls "Punjab rural polls: Why Akalis are likened to dinosaurs in Punjab" (Dec 19, 2025): Analyzing CM Bhagwant Mann's rhetoric against the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) following local body elections. "AAP claims win in 78% Punjab zila parishads as counting continues" (Dec 18, 2025): Breaking down the results of the 2025 rural elections. "Rahul Gandhi and Sidhu alike, says Bhagwant Mann" (Dec 13, 2025): Covering the CM's critique of the Congress leadership. 3. Law Enforcement & Bureaucracy "Suspended Punjab IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal awaits reinstatement" (Dec 10, 2025): Investigative reporting on the bureaucratic red tape involving the Election Commission and the state government. "Punjab declines to give parole to Amritpal Singh" (Nov 27, 2025): Detailing the state government's refusal to grant parole to the radical preacher and sitting MP. 4. Welfare & Economy "Punjab government's plan to add more freebies to 'atta-dal' scheme hits funds roadblock" (Dec 4, 2024): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing the state's flagship food security program. "Mann leads Punjab delegation to Japan and South Korea for investor outreach" (Dec 2, 2025). Signature Beat Kanchan Vasdev is known for her insider access to Punjab's political executive. Her writing provides deep insights into how state policies are formulated and the friction points between the state government and central authorities. Her dual expertise in environment and law allows her to report on complex issues like the "Farmhouse Policy" (Dec 18, 2025) and river pollution with a unique policy-oriented lens. X (Twitter): @kanchan99 ... Read More Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram