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New Delhi: The Congress party has called upon the Election Commission of India (ECI) to take action against what it perceives as the misuse of investigative agencies, such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED), by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Congress alleges that these agencies are conducting raids during the assembly elections.
During a press conference in New Delhi, Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi emphasized the importance of a level playing field in ensuring a fair electoral process. He stated, “This is a very serious issue because a fair level playing field is essential for the Republic and democracy. Without this fair playing field, a Republic and democracy cannot remain safe.”
Singhvi pointed out that the BJP has been consistently targeting the Congress, particularly in Chhattisgarh, and has requested protection from the Election Commission in response to these actions.
Chhattisgarh’s Chief Minister, Bhupesh Baghel, became embroiled in the Mahadev betting app case after a suspect, Shubham Soni, claimed to have paid Rs. 508 crore to the Chief Minister to establish his gambling business in Dubai. Baghel has vehemently denied the allegations and accused the BJP and the ED of attempting to protect the app’s promoters.
He stated, “I have already said that the BJP, which knows that they are losing in the Chhattisgarh polls, has put ED and IT in the front… The ED has been playing the lead role in it.”
The ED has been conducting investigations into the betting app syndicate in Chhattisgarh and has carried out multiple raids in connection with the case over the past few weeks.
Singhvi also pointed out the central government’s previous lack of interest in the Mahadev betting app case, which emerged 18 months ago, and accused the BJP of suddenly intervening during the run-up to and during the assembly election.
Singhvi questioned the timing of the recent actions, stating that the BJP and the ED have become active only because they “know they’ve lost the elections in Chhattisgarh.” He further criticized the “cheap politicization” of the issue.
The first phase of the Chhattisgarh assembly elections, covering 20 seats out of 90, took place on Tuesday, with the remaining 70 segments scheduled for voting in the second phase on November 17.
