Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel Takes a Dig in Controversy Surrounding Mahadev Betting App

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has called on the Election Commission to take action against attempts to tarnish the image of his government just days before the state’s polling. Baghel, who is currently embroiled in a corruption case involving the now-illegal Mahadev online betting app, accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of weaponizing the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which he referred to as the ruling party’s electoral ally.

Chhattisgarh is scheduled to vote in two phases on November 7 and 17. Despite facing corruption allegations, Baghel appeared confident that it would not affect his re-election bid. He even joked with reporters, stating that the BJP can enjoy until November 17 as they are contesting through the ED and the Income Tax Department, rather than directly participating in the election.

Baghel expressed his disappointment with the Election Commission for not taking any action and stated that a complaint would be filed by the Congress party to investigate the tarnishing of his government’s image. He pointed out that the Election Commission guidelines clearly address such issues and urged them to look into the matter.

The Chief Minister also drew attention to the timing of the allegations and the release of a video by one of the accused individuals, Shubham Soni. Soni claimed to be the real owner of the Mahadev app and stated that he had relocated to Dubai on Baghel’s advice and had given him Rs 508 crore. Baghel denied all the allegations and questioned why the app had not been shut down earlier. The central government has now blocked the app and 21 others following a request by the ED. However, Baghel’s government was criticized for failing to make the request themselves.

Baghel took to social media to express his doubts about the timing of the video release and accused the BJP of benefiting from it before the elections. He also raised questions about the ED and the central government’s delay in taking action against Soni and the Mahadev app. Baghel claimed that the Chhattisgarh Police was the first to flag the illegal activities.

Regarding Soni’s allegations, Baghel denied any personal contact with him and stated that he did not know him or meet him as claimed. The ED had seized Rs 5.39 crore in cash from a hawala courier named Asim Das, who alleged that the money was meant for Baghel. ED sources have revealed that interrogation established regular payments from Soni to Baghel.

The article concludes by mentioning that the information was sourced from ANI and informs readers that NDTV is available on WhatsApp for the latest updates.