‘They haven’t even spared name of Mahadev’: PM takes aim at Bhupesh Baghel day after ED claim

Reacting to PM Modi’s comments, Chhattisgarh CM Baghel hit back, accusing the BJP of using central agencies against its political opponents.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a public meeting ahead of Assembly polls, in Durg, Chhattisgarh, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. (PTI Photo)

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Speaking at a rally in Chhattisgarh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday took aim at Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and the Congress government in the state, saying “they have not even spared the name of Mahadev”. He was referring to the Enforcement Directorate’s allegations the previous day that the CM had received kickbacks to the tune of Rs 508 crore from the promoters of the Mahadev app, an online betting platform.

Reacting to Modi’s comments, Baghel hit back, accusing the BJP of using central agencies against its political opponents.

Assembly elections in Chhattisgarh will be held in two phases later this month – on November 7 and 17. The Congress’s main plank is its government’s welfare schemes, while the BJP is banking on a series of corruption allegations against Congress.

Also Read | Days before polls, ED seizes about Rs 5 cr cash, links it to Mahadev app

Speaking at a public rally in Durg district on Saturday, Modi said: “They have not even spared the name of Mahadev. Two days ago, a huge amount of cash was found, which came from gamblers. This money was looted from the Chhattisgarh people. The same money is going to Congress leaders. It is in the media now…,” he said.

“You know who is getting the money right? The Chief Minister should tell Chhattisgarh people what relation he has with those sitting in Dubai running this app,” the PM said, referring to the ED’s allegation that the Mahadev app’s promoters sent money to Baghel from the UAE.

Modi also alleged that the Congress government in the state was planning to frame members of the BJP: “I have heard that Congress leaders here are sending BJP a message, in a low voice, that this will be avenged. They said they will plant money on us and call the police. Who are you threatening? Who are you intimidating?”

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Accusing the state government of corruption, Modi said: “You have sent Modi to Delhi to deal with corrupt people. Those who looted the poor in Chhattisgarh will have to pay back every penny. The corrupt government here has done one scam after another and betrayed your trust. Liquor, coal, PDS, Gauthan fraud, DMF fraud, rice milling fraud and Covid cess fraud. We will act against them when we come to power.”

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Hitting back later in the day, Baghel equated Friday’s ED allegations to a “second manifesto of the BJP”.

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“Yesterday, the second manifesto of the BJP came in the evening in the form of an ED letter. I want to ask PM Modi what connection he has with Dubai. Why, even after we served a look out circular (against Mahadev app kingpins), are they not being arrested? This is the responsibility of the Indian government. Why has the Mahadev app not shut down yet? I ask the PM what deal did you have with them?” Baghel asked.

“Without verifying details, you made such an allegation against me! Understand the chronology… The PM comes, then the Home Minister comes…before them the ED is here, then money gets seized in the hotel,” he added.

Jayprakash S Naidu

Jayprakash S Naidu is a Principal Correspondent for The Indian Express, currently serving as the state correspondent for Chhattisgarh. With an extensive career in frontline journalism, he reports on the political, security, and humanitarian landscape of Central India. Expertise and Experience Specialized Conflict Reporting: Jayprakash is a leading voice on the Maoist/Naxalite conflict in the Bastar region. His reporting provides a critical, ground-level view of: Internal Security: Tracking high-stakes encounters, surrender programs for senior Maoist leaders, and the establishment of security camps in formerly inaccessible "heartland" villages. Tribal Rights & Displacement: Investigative reporting on the identity and land struggles of thousands of displaced tribals fleeing conflict zones for neighboring states. Governance & Bureaucratic Analysis: He consistently monitors the evolution of Chhattisgarh as it marks 25 years of statehood, covering: Electoral Politics: Analyzing the shift in power between the BJP and Congress and the impact of regional tribal movements. Public Policy: Reporting on landmark infrastructure projects (e.g., mobile connectivity in remote zones) and judicial interventions, such as High Court rulings on civil and family law. Diverse Investigative Background: Prior to his current focus on Chhattisgarh, Jayprakash held reported from Maharashtra, where he specialized in: Crisis & Disaster Management: Notable for his extensive coverage of the Cyclone Tauktae barge tragedy (P-305) and the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on frontline personnel. Legal & Human Rights: Investigative pieces for platforms like Article-14, focusing on police accountability and custodial deaths across India. Environmental & Social Justice: Authoritative reporting on the Hasdeo Aranya forest protests and the approval of major tiger reserves, highlighting the tension between industrial mining and environmental preservation. ... Read More