Decode Politics: Why AAP vs Centre flares up over ED action on GMADA

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted extensive raids at the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) in Mohali, lasting over 50 hours. Initially a money-laundering probe related to a private infrastructure firm, the investigation now involves GMADA's land deals, potential monetary losses, and alleged involvement of AAP leaders in a "scam."

The AAP denies these allegations, branding them "baseless" and "politically motivated," accusing the BJP-led central government of targeting the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government ahead of upcoming state elections.

The ED began its search at GMADA headquarters, questioning eight senior officials and seizing electronic devices, documents, and computers. The agency also cloned mobile phones and collected records. The raids were part of the ED's broader money-laundering investigations in multiple locations, including Delhi, Mohali, Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Ludhiana.

GMADA, one of Punjab's key urban development authorities, handles master plans, land acquisition, and auctions of residential and commercial properties. The ED's investigation stemmed from a CBI case involving Tirupati Infra Projects and has uncovered potential losses of up to Rs 10,000 crore due to alleged undervaluation and irregularities in GMADA's land transactions.

The AAP's leaders, including Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain, have been accused of holding unofficial meetings with GMADA officials to discuss master plans, auctions, and compensation, though the AAP denies these claims, calling them "false, baseless, and politically motivated."