Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent remarks regarding the Mahadev betting app case, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel issued a counterpoint, questioning the nature of the Prime Minister's connection with individuals in Dubai that appears to be obstructing the arrest and shutdown of the app.
In a pointed retort, Baghel queried, "PM Modi is asking, what's our relation with the Dubai people? I want to ask him, what's your relationship with the Dubai people? Why hasn't anyone been arrested even after a lookout circular is issued? It's the duty of the Indian government to make this arrest," as he addressed the media on Saturday.
Earlier on the same day, PM Modi, while delivering a public address in the state that is preparing for elections, accused the Congress party of leveraging hawala money obtained from illegal betting operators to finance its electoral campaign in Chhattisgarh.
He remarked, "The Congress party's Chhattisgarh government is leaving no opportunity to loot you. They did not even leave the name of 'Mahadev'," alluding to the Enforcement Directorate (ED)'s claims that the promoters of the Mahadev betting app had allegedly transferred approximately Rs 508 crore to Baghel.
In response to these allegations, Baghel cast doubt on the government's inaction in shutting down the Mahadev app. He inquired, "Why was the Mahadev app not shut down? It's the Indian government's duty to shut down the app. I want to ask the PM, what's your deal (with them)?... If there's no deal, why are you not shutting the app down?"
Additionally, Baghel accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of waging its election battles through the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Income Tax (I-T) departments. He contended, "These people can't fight a direct fight. That's why they are fighting the elections through the ED and I-T media."
He further asserted, "He (PM Modi) is making allegations without any investigation. The ED and I-T are roaming here. This shows your worthlessness..."
The Enforcement Directorate disclosed on Friday that a forensic analysis and a statement provided by a 'cash courier' have led to "startling allegations" that the promoters of the Mahadev betting app disbursed approximately Rs 508 crore to Baghel thus far. These allegations remain the subject of an ongoing investigation.
