Punjab Politics Faces Turmoil as Media Group Accuses Government of Intimidation

In a dramatic turn of events in Punjab politics, the Punjab Kesari media group has accused the state government of intimidation following its unbiased reporting on the Aam Aadmi Party. The group claims that recent enforcement actions against them are attempts to suppress media freedom. The Punjab government has firmly rejected these allegations, asserting that the actions taken were based on legitimate legal violations. This unfolding situation raises critical questions about press freedom and government accountability in the lead-up to upcoming elections. Read on to explore the details of this contentious issue.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 16, 2026, 09:25 IST

Allegations of Intimidation in Punjab Politics

A significant shift has occurred in Punjab's political landscape as the renowned media group Punjab Kesari has sent a letter to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, leveling serious accusations against the state government. The group claims that it is being targeted by government agencies due to its impartial reporting on the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The letter, signed by Vijay Kumar Chopra, Avinash Chopra, and Amit Chopra, alleges that recent raids by enforcement officials were intended to "intimidate the press." According to the group, this harassment began after the newspaper published a balanced report addressing opposition allegations against the AAP's national convenor. The letter urges Chief Minister Mann to conduct an immediate investigation and ensure media freedom.

Government Denies Allegations

In response, the Punjab government issued an official statement late in the evening, categorically rejecting the claims made by Punjab Kesari. Opposition parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress, and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), have criticized the ruling AAP, accusing it of using its power to suppress media voices. The BJP announced that a delegation would meet with the governor to raise this issue.

Concerns Raised by Punjab Kesari

The letter from the Chopra family expresses deep concern over recent developments, suggesting that the Punjab government is specifically targeting the Punjab Kesari group and its affiliates to intimidate the press. They requested an immediate investigation into the matter and prompt action. The letter claims that the situation escalated following a news report published on October 31, 2025, which provided a fair and balanced account of opposition allegations against the ruling party's national convenor. Subsequently, the Punjab government allegedly halted all advertisements to Punjab Kesari, which publishes the most widely circulated Hindi and Punjabi dailies in the state.

Details of Alleged Raids

The letter details a series of actions taken against the Chopra family and the Punjab Kesari group in recent days. It mentions a raid by the FSSAI on January 11 at Park Plaza Jalandhar, a hotel operated by Chopra Hotels Private Limited, followed by a GST raid on January 12. Additionally, it notes a raid by the excise department on the same hotel and another raid on the Punjab Kesari printing press in Ludhiana on January 12. The letter also highlights that on January 13, the Pollution Control Board conducted a raid at the hotel operated by Chopra Hotels.

Government's Justification

The Punjab government has dismissed the allegations of targeted attacks, asserting that these claims are an attempt to divert attention from serious violations uncovered by various legal authorities. They stated that the actions taken against Punjab Kesari were based on legitimate inspections and findings related to violations of excise laws. The government emphasized that the raids were not arbitrary but were conducted following formal investigations revealing significant breaches of the law.

Commitment to Press Freedom

The Punjab government reiterated its commitment to a free, fair, and fearless press, clarifying that press freedom does not exempt anyone from adhering to excise, environmental, or labor laws. They affirmed that laws in Punjab apply equally to all and that while editorial freedom will be protected, violations that endanger public health, workers, or the environment will not be overlooked.