Durgesh Pathak’s Rising Political Clout and CBI Raid: AAP Cries Foul, Alleges Political Targeting
In a move that has stirred up political debate and deepened existing tensions between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) carried out a raid at the residence of AAP leader Durgesh Pathak on Thursday morning. The timing of the raid—just days after Pathak was appointed co-incharge for AAP’s Gujarat election campaign for 2027—has prompted a fierce backlash from AAP leaders, who allege that the action is politically motivated.

Durgesh Pathak: A Key Strategist in AAP’s Expansion
Durgesh Pathak is widely regarded as one of the chief architects behind AAP’s electoral successes beyond Delhi. A close confidant of Arvind Kejriwal, Pathak has earned a reputation within the party as a highly effective ground-level strategist. He played a central role in AAP’s Delhi Assembly victories, contributed significantly to the Punjab election campaign, and has been deeply involved in the party’s national outreach efforts.

Last week, AAP announced Pathak’s appointment as co-incharge for Gujarat, signaling the party’s intention to begin building organizational strength in the state well ahead of the 2027 elections. The move is part of a broader strategy to replicate the party’s success in Delhi and Punjab in other parts of the country, especially in states long dominated by BJP.

Raid Raises Eyebrows: Timing Sparks Outcry
Barely a week after this strategic appointment, the CBI’s early morning raid at Pathak’s residence has triggered speculation across political and media circles. Although the CBI has not made an official statement detailing the exact scope of the operation, AAP leaders were quick to respond—calling the raid a blatant example of political vendetta.

Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), AAP national general secretary Sandeep Pathak posted, “The CBI’s raid on @AamAadmiParty leader Durgesh Pathak’s residence this morning — just days after he was named co-incharge for Gujarat elections 2027 — sends a loud message that BJP clearly views AAP as a growing threat in Gujarat and is rattled by its rising influence.”

Other senior leaders echoed this sentiment. Delhi Minister Atishi stated that the raid was “nothing but a desperate attempt to derail our Gujarat campaign before it begins.” She accused the BJP of repeatedly misusing central agencies to suppress opposition voices.

“Every State We Enter, Raids Follow”
Sources within AAP have suggested that Pathak’s growing political profile—particularly in Gujarat, a key BJP bastion—has caused discomfort in the ruling party’s ranks. “Every time we make inroads into a new state, especially one that has long been a BJP fortress, central agencies show up. This isn’t governance—it’s intimidation,” said a senior AAP functionary, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

The sentiment underscores a recurring theme in AAP’s narrative: that state machinery is being weaponized to target opposition leaders and hinder their political prospects. According to the party, the raid on Pathak is part of a larger pattern of harassment that includes earlier actions against party leaders such as Manish Sisodia, Satyendar Jain, and Arvind Kejriwal himself.

What is the CBI Investigating?
Though CBI officials have not released an official statement regarding the Thursday raid, the investigation is believed to be linked to financial irregularities, possibly associated with the Delhi excise policy case. Durgesh Pathak was previously named in a supplementary chargesheet filed by the CBI in connection with that case, which also implicates Kejriwal and other senior AAP functionaries.

In that chargesheet, the agency alleged misuse of funds during AAP’s 2022 Goa election campaign, claiming that portions of excise-related proceeds were illegally funneled to finance the party’s activities in the coastal state. AAP has categorically denied all such claims, calling them fabricated and timed to coincide with elections and major political appointments.

Pattern of Raids Before Elections?
Political commentators have noted what appears to be a pattern: AAP leaders frequently face investigative scrutiny right before elections or immediately after being named to important political roles. Similar raids took place ahead of the 2022 Gujarat Assembly elections, during which AAP managed to significantly boost its vote share and even won a handful of seats, positioning itself as a future player in the state.

“This kind of timing isn’t coincidental,” noted political analyst Rajdeep Roy. “Whenever AAP signals serious intent in a new state, within days, there’s a raid or legal action. It raises serious concerns about whether these agencies are operating independently or at the behest of the ruling political leadership.”

Roy added that such tactics may be counterproductive in the long run. “Public perception is shifting. Many voters see this not as law enforcement but as political vendetta, which may end up strengthening the opposition instead of weakening it.”

Undeterred, AAP Doubles Down on Gujarat Strategy
Despite the latest raid, AAP leaders have affirmed their commitment to moving forward with their Gujarat strategy. The party is planning a series of public meetings, press briefings, and organizational drives in the coming weeks aimed at galvanizing support and drawing attention to issues such as unemployment, corruption, and governance failures under the BJP.

Durgesh Pathak, who has yet to issue a public statement following the raid, is expected to continue in his leadership role unless legal developments prohibit him from doing so.

“People can see through this. The more they try to suppress us, the more the public will ask — why is AAP being targeted? What are they so afraid of?” said Sandeep Pathak during a press briefing later in the day.

A Flashpoint in the Run-Up to 2027
As the 2027 Gujarat elections approach, Thursday’s raid has added a new dimension to the political narrative. Whether viewed as a legitimate investigation or a misuse of institutional power, the CBI’s action is already being framed by AAP as a symbol of BJP’s unease about the rising challenge it faces in yet another stronghold.