ED raids, Chadha security row ‘staged drama’ between AAP, Centre: Pargat

Jalandhar: Congress MLA Pargat Singh on Wednesday termed the ED raids on Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal and the row over MP Raghav Chadha's security cover as "staged drama" between the AAP and the BJP-led Centre.Taking a swipe at both sides, Pargat said the developments were a "distraction tactic" and urged them to focus on Punjab's welfare. "Enough theatrics have taken place. Nothing substantial will emerge from such raids," he said in a statement.He alleged that whenever key issues arise in Punjab, the AAP govt and the Centre end up aiding each other. "To divert attention, such artificial issues are created, which is unjust to public interest," he said.Referring to farmers' distress, Pargat claimed that when growers were struggling to sell produce in mandis, the state govt raised the issue of Chadha's security downgrade to shift focus.He also questioned both the Mann govt and the Centre over progress in investigations into the 2015 sacrilege cases and the Maur blast.Pargat criticised chief minister Bhagwant Mann for not opposing the Centre's move, and urged the state govt to enact a Dam Safety Act to safeguard Punjab's interests.