New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday raided the residence of Durgesh Pathak, the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) Gujarat co-incharge, in connection with alleged irregularities in foreign funding and suspected violations of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA).
The move has sparked sharp reactions from AAP leaders, who accuse the BJP-led central government of using investigative agencies to target opposition parties ahead of the Gujarat elections.
Details of the Raid
- The CBI conducted searches at Pathak’s home in Delhi early morning.
- Sources say the agency is probing possible illegal foreign funding received by entities linked to AAP.
- The FCRA, which regulates foreign donations to political parties and NGOs, prohibits certain categories of foreign contributions.
AAP’s Strong Reaction
AAP leaders slammed the raid as a politically motivated move to disrupt their Gujarat election campaign.
- Sanjay Singh (AAP Rajya Sabha MP) tweeted:
“BJP’s dirty tricks have begun again! CBI raids Gujarat co-incharge Durgesh Pathak’s home. Modi govt has tried every tactic to crush AAP, but we won’t bow down. BJP is scared because Gujarat is slipping from their hands.” - Saurabh Bharadwaj (AAP MLA & former Delhi minister) alleged:
“Before the last Gujarat polls, BJP got our leaders arrested. Now, as Durgesh Pathak takes charge, CBI raids his house. This is pure intimidation!” - Atishi (Delhi Cabinet Minister) accused BJP of panic:
“The moment AAP gears up for Gujarat elections, CBI raids our leader’s home. This shows BJP’s desperation—they know only AAP can challenge them in Gujarat. But we won’t be cowed down!”
