“BJP Contest Elections With The Help Of Investigative Agencies”; Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel On Betting App Row (Image: Twitter/ bhupeshbaghel)
Congress leader and incumbent Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh Bhupesh Baghel on Friday lashed out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) saying that they are attempting to contest in the upcoming state assembly elections with the help of central investigative agencies. Mr Bhagel is currently facing a bribe allegation claimed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), that he received Rs 508 crores from the Mahadev betting app promoters based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The BJP, the ruling party at India’s centre, “wants to contest Chhattisgarh elections with the help of agencies like ED, IT, DRI and CBI”, said the CM in a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter).
It was on Friday, the ED – India’s law enforcement and economic intelligence agency – claimed that Mr Baghel received bribes worth Rs 508 crores from the Mahadev betting app promoters Sourabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal. They have cited an ongoing investigation under the anti-money laundering law and reportedly indicated a substantial movement of cash in the poll-pound Chhattisgarh. The ED also conducted raids in the state tracing the scam and money laundering links connected to Mr Baghel.
According to the ED, the agency successfully intercepted a cash courier identified as Asim Das, who had allegedly been sent from the UAE. They had seized an amount of Rs 5.39 crores from Mr Das, who confessed that funds were arranged by the promoters of the Mahadev betting app for Mr Baghel, supporting the election expenses. Mr Das also revealed that the app made regular payments in the past also to Mr Baghel, and it sums approximately Rs 508 crore.
To the allegations, Mr Baghel replied that they are mere “malicious attempts” by the BJP to destroy his name and frame ahead of the polls. “This is a political attempt to defame the popular Congress government which is being done through ED”, he said on X. Mr Baghel added that, the ED raided houses of his close contacts and is now producing accusations based on a statement by an “unknown person”. According to him the investigation reflects the “bad intentions” of the ED as well as the central government. The state is election bounded and a Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is in force. The situations of the state are now controlled by the Election Commission, police, and CRPF. “In such a situation… how are people able to reach Chhattisgarh with such a huge amount?”, asked Mr Baghel.
जैसा कि मैंने पहले कहा है कि भारतीय जनता पार्टी ईडी, आईटी, डीआरआई और सीबीआई जैसी एजेंसियों के सहारे छत्तीसगढ़ का चुनाव लड़ना चाहती है. चुनाव के ठीक पहले ईडी ने मेरी छवि धूमिल करने की सबसे कुत्सित प्रयास किया है. यह कांग्रेस की लोकप्रिय सरकार को बदनाम करने का राजनीतिक प्रयास है जो…
— Bhupesh Baghel (@bhupeshbaghel) November 3, 2023
He also raised speculations, whether the illegal money had been brought in the state through the special plane with ED officers and security agencies. According to him the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah together are not able to compete with the Congress party in Chhattisgarh, so they want to contest elections with the help of the central investigating agencies. He added that physical violence and threats has become standard operating procedure for the ED.
Mr Baghel concluded the note by expressing Congress’ readiness to face any allegations and probe. “Every Congress worker is ready. The people of Chhattisgarh are with us to fight agencies like ED, IT. We will fight back and we will surely win”, he wrote.
Meanwhile Union Minister Smriti Irani on Saturday took aim at Mr Baghel. She stated that the practice of accepting money while in power has become synonymous with Chhattisgarh”s Congress leadership. “Never before has evidence come forth which clearly indicates that hawala operators” instruction and money emanating from Dubai by looting the poor has been utilised by the Congress leadership to fight an election,” said Ms Irani in a press conference.
