Former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel Slams BJP Over ED Raids, Calls It Political Vendetta
Raipur, Chhattisgarh: Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel has strongly criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) following Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids at his residence, calling it a politically motivated move aimed at tarnishing his reputation ahead of elections. The ED conducted searches at Baghel’s residence, his son Chaitanya Baghel’s house, and several other locations in connection with an alleged multi-crore liquor scam in the state.
The raids, which took place on Monday morning, have triggered a political storm, with Baghel accusing the BJP of using central investigative agencies to harass opposition leaders. Speaking to the media, Baghel dismissed reports of the recovery of ₹33 lakh from his residence as insignificant and claimed the BJP was attempting to create media hype.
Bhupesh Baghel Questions ED’s Motives, Claims Raid Was Without EC’s Permission
Baghel alleged that the Enforcement Directorate carried out the raids without obtaining the necessary approval from the Election Commission (EC). “They came here without the EC’s permission and brought machines to create hype. In the end, they found only ₹33 lakh. This is just an attempt to defame me. They have nothing substantial against me,” he said.
He further questioned the timing of the raid, pointing out that it coincided with his recent appointment as a Congress General Secretary, a move that he believes has angered the BJP. “Every time I step out of the state, they conduct a raid. It’s been four years, and they still haven’t been able to prove anything against me. They know they cannot win in court, so they are using these tactics instead,” Baghel remarked.
ED’s Allegations: The Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam
The Enforcement Directorate is probing an alleged ₹2,161 crore liquor scam in Chhattisgarh, which reportedly took place between 2019 and 2022. According to the ED, a cartel of politicians, bureaucrats, and liquor businessmen manipulated the state-run liquor trade to collect illegal commissions from the sale of alcohol.
Sources reveal that 14 locations across Chhattisgarh were raided in connection with the case. The ED suspects large-scale money laundering linked to the scheme, wherein the liquor supply chain was manipulated to favor select businesses in exchange for kickbacks. Several bureaucrats and politicians from the previous Congress-led government in Chhattisgarh have also been under the scanner in this case.
Baghel’s Response: “BJP Uses ED and CBI to Silence Opposition”
Addressing his supporters after the raids, Baghel maintained that the BJP is misusing central agencies like the ED and CBI to target political rivals. “The people of this country now know that the BJP uses ED and CBI to trouble opposition leaders. If they had any solid proof, why haven’t they taken action in court?” he asked.
Baghel insisted that his financial records were transparent, emphasizing that his family’s income is primarily from agriculture and dairy farming. He revealed that the ₹33 lakh found at his residence included savings, family income, and Stridhan (assets traditionally given to women in a family).
In a social media post, Baghel claimed that the ED recovered three key items from his house:
- A pen drive allegedly containing audio recordings of financial transactions between Manturam Pawar and Dr. Puneet Gupta (son-in-law of former Chhattisgarh CM Dr. Raman Singh).
- Documents related to SAIL (Steel Authority of India Limited) allegedly linked to Raman Singh’s son, Abhishek Singh.
- Cash amounting to ₹33 lakh, which Baghel says his family can account for.
BJP vs Congress: Political Reactions
The Congress party has backed Baghel, alleging that the BJP is using “fear and intimidation” tactics to suppress its leaders. Senior Congress leaders have condemned the raids, calling them a desperate move ahead of elections.
Meanwhile, BJP leaders have defended the ED’s actions, asserting that the investigation is based on strong evidence of corruption. “If Baghel is innocent, why is he afraid? The ED is following legal procedures, and if he has nothing to hide, he should cooperate,” said a senior BJP leader.
What’s Next?
With elections approaching, the ED’s probe into the alleged Chhattisgarh liquor scam is expected to intensify, and Baghel’s political future could be impacted. While Baghel has dismissed the raids as political vendetta, the BJP is likely to use the allegations to attack the Congress in the state.
The Congress’s next course of action remains uncertain, but Baghel has vowed to fight back, stating, “This is not just about me; it’s about democracy. The BJP cannot silence us with raids and intimidation.”
As the political battle heats up in Chhattisgarh, all eyes will be on the ED’s next move and the legal developments in the case.
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