Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Challenges ED›s Claims in Connection with Mahadev Online Book App Scandal

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister, Bhupesh Baghel, found himself entangled in a controversy involving the Enforcement Directorate›s (ED) allegations of receiving ₹508 crore from the Mahadev Online Book app. In response, he posed some critical questions about the Central government›s actions and the apprehension of Dubai-based company directors. This situation unfolded as Prime Minister Modi, during a recent rally, alluded to the scandal without explicitly naming Baghel.

Without naming Bhupesh Baghel, Prime Minister Modi subtly mentioned the ongoing scandal in his speech, stating, «They have not even spared Mahadev›s name. Two days prior, a significant sum of cash was discovered in Raipur during raids. Speculation has arisen that this money is linked to betting proceeds, and rumors abound regarding the implicated parties. Congress and its Chief Minister should clarify their connection to Dubai. It appears that something is amiss. Why has the Chief Minister become agitated following the money›s discovery?»

In the run-up to the Chhattisgarh elections, the ED made a substantial claim against the Chief Minister, accusing him of utilizing Hawala funds for the upcoming polls. In response, Baghel and the Congress vehemently denied these allegations, branding them as part of a BJP conspiracy.

Baghel commented on the situation, saying, «These individuals prefer indirect methods. They engage in electoral battles through agencies like the ED and CBI. As an example, two separate election manifestos were released in the state recently—one in Hindi on the BJP›s official letterhead and another in English on the ED›s letterhead. I would like to ask Prime Minister Modi about his association with individuals in Dubai, referencing the Dubai-based app.»

Baghel also raised the pertinent question of why the Mahadev app had not been shut down, asserting that this responsibility falls under the jurisdiction of the central government. He suggested the possibility of secret agreements between the government and the app›s operators, as the ED had cited an email as evidence. He argued, «Anyone can add another person›s name to an email, and there are many individuals with the Baghel surname. These allegations were leveled without a proper investigation. The ED and IT departments are actively present in our region, so how did the money end up in a hotel? It raises questions about your competence…
» Bhupesh Baghel concluded.