From Hooda's Allies to ED's Targets: The Fall of Panwar and Dan Singh Shakes Haryana Politics

ED's Recent Actions Against Haryana Congress Leaders 

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its operations against several Haryana Congress leaders in recent days, raising eyebrows as the state prepares for assembly elections later this year. The central agency's actions have targeted key figures associated with former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, who is leading the Congress campaign in the state. 

Arrest of Surender Panwar 

On Saturday, July 20, 2024, the ED arrested Surender Panwar, the Congress MLA from Sonipat, in connection with a money laundering case linked to illegal mining. Panwar, a first-time MLA with mining businesses in Haryana and Rajasthan, was produced in an Ambala court and remanded to nine days in custody until July 29. The ED alleges his involvement in a Rs 25 crore money laundering case, with eight cases pending against him. 

Raids on Rao Dan Singh's Properties 

Just two days before Panwar's arrest, the ED conducted extensive raids on properties belonging to Rao Dan Singh, a four-time MLA from Mahendragarh. The 14-hour search operation covered five cities, including Mahendragarh and Gurugram, resulting in the seizure of various documents, bank details, and property-related papers. 

Other Recent ED Actions 

The ED's crackdown extends beyond these two cases. On July 19, the agency attached properties worth Rs 300 crore linked to M3M India Infrastructures Private Limited in Gurugram. This action was related to a case involving alleged corruption during Bhupinder Singh Hooda's tenure as Chief Minister. 

Additionally, in early May, the ED arrested Sikandar Singh, son of Congress MLA Dharm Singh Chhokkar, in a money laundering case involving fraud against homebuyers. The case alleges that Sikandar's firm collected Rs 360 crore from nearly 1,500 people but failed to deliver promised homes in Gurugram. 

Political Implications and Reactions 

The timing of these actions, coming just months before the Haryana assembly elections scheduled for October-November, has sparked a political controversy. The Congress party has vehemently criticized the ED's moves, accusing the BJP-led central government of misusing investigative agencies for political purposes.

Haryana Congress Chief Udai Bhan alleged that the recent ED actions were a direct result of Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to the state on July 16. Bhan claimed that the BJP was attempting to suppress the opposition's voice ahead of the elections, stating that wherever Shah goes, the ED and CBI follow. 

However, the BJP has strongly denied any involvement in the ED's operations. Sanjay Sharma, the state spokesperson for the BJP, insisted that the party believes in giving complete freedom to central agencies to act against offenders. He challenged the Congress to let the truth come out if they believe they are being unfairly targeted. 

As the political drama unfolds, the ED's actions have undoubtedly added a new dimension to the upcoming electoral battle in Haryana. With former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda seen as a strong contender for the chief ministerial position, the targeting of his close associates has raised questions about the potential impact on the Congress party's campaign strategy. As the state moves closer to the elections, all eyes will be on how these developments influence voter sentiment and shape the political landscape in Haryana.