NEW DELHI, Nov 4: The Congress, on Saturday, accused the Enforcement Directorate (ED) of collaborating with the BJP to besmirch the reputation of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, labeling it a “conspiracy.” The party emphasized that the people of the state will respond strongly to such tactics in the upcoming Assembly elections. Furthermore, the opposition party intends to bring the matter before the Election Commission (EC), citing a clear violation of the Model Code of Conduct.
During a press conference, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh alleged that, with the BJP’s impending defeat in the Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh Assembly elections, the party is exploiting central agencies, including the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Ramesh stated, “The people of Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh have confidence in the Congress, and the BJP is engaging in vindictive politics.”
Another prominent Congress leader, K C Venugopal, contended that there is a deliberate plot to tarnish Baghel’s image, and the electorate will strongly rebuff the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the forthcoming polls.
The ED asserted on Friday that a forensic analysis and a statement from a “cash courier” had led to “startling allegations” that the promoters of the Mahadev betting app had disbursed approximately Rs 508 crore to Baghel, which is currently under investigation.
In response, the BJP accused the Congress on Saturday of employing “hawala” money provided by illegal betting operators to finance its campaign in Chhattisgarh and targeted Baghel over the allegation that he had received kickbacks exceeding Rs 500 crore.
