13/01/2026
ED Turned into BJP’s Election Weapon
The Social Democratic Party of India strongly condemns the Modi-led Union Government for openly converting the Enforcement Directorate (ED) into an election management tool, rather than an independent investigating agency. SDPI calls upon all opposition parties to take a united stand against the systematic compromise of institutions like the ED.
A dangerous and now well-established pattern is evident: “Jahan chunav, wahan ED.” Maharashtra, Delhi, Jharkhand—and now West Bengal—every election cycle is preceded by a sudden burst of ED raids and cases. In Bengal, a matter lying dormant for nearly five years has suddenly resurfaced just 2–3 months before polling, clearly exposing the political intent behind the action.
This selective and politically timed enforcement violates Article 14 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality before law and prohibits arbitrary state action. Investigations driven by electoral motives amount to malice in law, repeatedly held by courts to be unconstitutional.
The misuse of the ED is aimed at intimidating opposition leaders, manufacturing a false corruption narrative before elections, and diverting public attention from real issues such as inflation, unemployment and governance failure. This is state-sponsored political vendetta, not law enforcement.
Such actions strike at the core of democracy, federalism and the rule of law. Investigative agencies are meant to serve the Constitution—not function as extensions of the ruling party’s campaign machinery.
SDPI Demands:
Immediate end to the political misuse of the Enforcement Directorate
Independent institutional oversight and accountability of central agencies
Collective resistance by all opposition parties against intimidation and electoral manipulation using state power
India must not be reduced to a democracy where fear replaces free and fair elections.
ED is not the BJP’s Election Department.
Muhammad Shafi
SDPI - Social Democratic Party of India
National Vice President
