Raipur: A massive political storm has erupted in Chhattisgarh following the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) raids on former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and his associates on Monday. The Congress launched statewide protests, accusing the BJP-led central government of misusing investigative agencies for political gains.
On Tuesday, angry Congress workers took to the streets in Raipur and other cities, burning effigies of the ED and the BJP government. At Nagar Nigam Chowk in the state capital, hundreds of Congress supporters gathered, chanting slogans against the BJP and alleging that the raids were a targeted attack. A scuffle broke out between protesters and police as they attempted to burn an effigy, escalating tensions.
Baghel Alleges Political Conspiracy
Bhupesh Baghel hit back at the ED, claiming that the agency arrived at his residence without a warrant and even advised him to skip the Assembly session. “ED officials seized ₹33 lakh while leaving ₹3 lakh behind. Their only agenda, as directed by the BJP, is to harass and defame opposition leaders,” Baghel alleged.
He further pointed out that the timing of the raids on him and his close aides, Kawasi Lakhma and Vijay Sharma, coincided with their questioning of BJP members in the Assembly. “Every time we raise tough questions, the BJP sends central agencies after us. The same happened during my election campaign in other states,” he added.
Baghel also expressed frustration over what he called the slow pace of investigations into major financial scandals. “It took me seven years to get acquitted from baseless charges. Meanwhile, the ED is dragging its feet on real cases like the Biranpur and Mahadev Satta scams,” he stated.
BJP Defends ED’s Actions
In response, the BJP dismissed the Congress’s accusations, maintaining that the ED was merely carrying out its duties. “If Congress leaders have nothing to hide, they have nothing to fear. Law enforcement agencies are doing their job, and justice will prevail,” a BJP spokesperson said.
