The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids on multiple properties linked to Ashok Mittal, a Rajya Sabha MP from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), in Punjab on Wednesday. The operation is part of an ongoing investigation under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), focusing on suspected financial irregularities associated with the Lovely Group, an educational institution led by Mittal. This investigation follows Mittal's recent appointment as Deputy Leader of the AAP in the Rajya Sabha, replacing Raghav Chadha. The raids have sparked political controversy, with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann alleging that the BJP-led central government is misusing agencies to target opposition leaders ahead of elections. AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal echoed these sentiments, claiming the raids aim to manipulate the political climate in Punjab. However, officials from the ED stated that the searches are routine and conducted in accordance with legal procedures.