1. Himanta Biswa Sarma continues criticism of Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel over ₹508 crore bribe allegation.
2. Sarma claims ED’s magnanimity in allowing Baghel to contest elections before taking action.
3. Sarma suggests intra-party tensions, stating TS Singhdeo is content with the situation.
Guwahati, Nov 15: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma continued his criticism of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, accusing him of accepting a ₹508 crore bribe in the Mahadev betting app case. Sarma asserted that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has allowed Baghel time to participate in the elections, but warned that action would follow.
Sarma also alluded to intra-party tensions between Baghel and his deputy, TS Singhdeo, stating that Singhdeo is content with the ongoing developments.
“Bhupesh Baghel knows that he is going to jail; He wants to take 10 others along with him…Right now, ED has not even come to him. It will come after the elections. It is ED’s large-heartedness that it has given time to Baghel to contest the elections,” Sarma remarked.
Sarma commended the ED’s “magnanimity” for not summoning Baghel before the Chhattisgarh elections. Despite the ED’s assertion in court that Baghel accepted ₹508 crores, no official notice has been issued to him yet. Sarma suggested a possible connection between Baghel and the ED, questioning why no notice had been served.
In response to Baghel’s claim that the BJP had ties with the Mahadev App, shielding it from action in BJP-ruled states, Sarma stated that Baghel would thank the ED for its leniency. Baghel countered by questioning Sarma’s involvement in the Saradha Chit Fund Scam, challenging authorities to take action if they have evidence.
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Sarma, on Tuesday, predicted that Lord Mahadev would hold Baghel accountable for every penny, alleging that Baghel secured an extension as Chief Minister through monetary exchanges.
The ED contends that a cash courier’s statement accuses Mahadev betting app promoters of paying ₹508 crores to Baghel, a charge vehemently denied by the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister.
The second phase of Chhattisgarh elections is scheduled for Friday, with the vote count set for December 3.
