New Delhi, April 17, 2025 – In a dramatic political development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday conducted raids at the residence of senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Gujarat co-incharge Durgesh Pathak, triggering a fresh wave of political crossfire between AAP and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The action, linked to an alleged violation of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), has drawn fierce condemnation from AAP, which has labeled the move as a “politically motivated witch hunt.”
FCRA Violation Case: What the CBI Is Saying
According to CBI officials, the raid is part of an investigation into alleged foreign funding irregularities. A case under the FCRA was formally registered on Wednesday, and Pathak’s premises were among the first to be searched. The agency claims that there is material suggesting potential violations of rules governing foreign contributions, and the investigation is currently underway.
Sources within the agency indicate that this is a preliminary stage probe, and documents related to funding and financial transactions are being examined.
AAP Reacts: “This is BJP’s Dirty Game”
The Aam Aadmi Party was quick to respond, accusing the BJP-led central government of misusing investigative agencies for political gains. Senior party leaders termed the raid as a clear case of “vendetta politics” aimed at derailing the AAP’s expansion plans in Gujarat.
Atishi Breaks Silence: “BJP Is Terrified of AAP in Gujarat”
Delhi’s Leader of Opposition Atishi came out strongly against the CBI raid, calling it a desperate attempt to intimidate AAP just as it ramps up preparations for the Gujarat Assembly Elections 2027.
“The moment AAP began groundwork in Gujarat, CBI came knocking at the door of our co-incharge Durgesh Pathak. This is not enforcement — this is pure political fear. BJP knows only AAP can challenge them, and that fear is now out in the open,” said Atishi.
Sanjay Singh on X: “BJP’s Fear is Loud and Clear”
Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh also launched a scathing attack on the central government, accusing it of using CBI as a tool for intimidation.
“Modi ji’s government has tried every trick in the book to finish AAP. Now that Durgesh Pathak has been made Gujarat co-incharge, they have sent CBI to his house. This raid screams political insecurity,” Singh posted on X.
He went on to say that despite “all these dirty tactics,” the BJP continues to feel threatened by AAP’s growing footprint.
Manish Sisodia: “It’s Not a Coincidence, It’s a Conspiracy”
Former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, currently out on bail in another case involving AAP leaders, also condemned the raid. In a sharply worded post, he said:
“This is no coincidence. As soon as Pathak was handed the reins for Gujarat 2027, CBI raided his home. This is a conspiracy, born not out of justice, but out of BJP’s panic. They know AAP is the only real challenge they face in Gujarat.”
Political Heat Ahead of Gujarat Elections
The raid comes at a politically sensitive time. The Aam Aadmi Party is gearing up for a full-blown campaign in Gujarat, where the BJP has held power for over two decades. With Durgesh Pathak at the helm of the Gujarat campaign, AAP has been hoping to replicate its success from Delhi and Punjab.
While BJP has not issued an official statement on the CBI raid, its silence has only fueled AAP’s narrative of “central vendetta.”
Political analysts note that these raids, though legally framed, often have high political ramifications—especially in the run-up to major state elections. The perception of misusing investigative institutions for political purposes is likely to dominate headlines in the coming weeks.
What Is the FCRA and Why It Matters?
The Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) is a law meant to regulate foreign donations and prevent their misuse in India’s political or social space. Violation of this act can lead to cancellation of licenses, fines, and even imprisonment. If proven guilty, the consequences for Pathak — and by extension, AAP — could be serious.
However, AAP maintains that it has strictly followed all compliance norms and that the CBI’s actions are a pretext to suppress opposition voices.
The Bigger Picture: Political Probes or Targeted Attacks?
This isn’t the first time AAP leaders have found themselves under the investigative lens. From Satyendar Jain to Manish Sisodia, a pattern has emerged where key AAP figures face legal action just as the party makes political inroads into new territories.
The latest raid on Pathak only strengthens the perception within opposition circles that investigative agencies are being selectively used against critics of the ruling party.
What Lies Ahead?
With elections in Gujarat still two years away, this early political storm signals the kind of high-stakes battles we’re likely to witness. If AAP continues to push its narrative of “political oppression,” it may succeed in rallying more support — especially among youth and urban voters disillusioned with traditional parties.
Meanwhile, the BJP may need to explain why key opposition leaders repeatedly become targets of central agencies every time they gain political momentum.
As the dust settles on this raid, one thing is clear — India’s political landscape is entering yet another phase of aggressive confrontations, and Durgesh Pathak’s residence may just have been the opening battlefield.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
