Political Tensions Rise as CBI Raids Bhupesh Baghel's Residences

The Central Bureau of Investigation conducted raids at the residences of Bhupesh Baghel, former Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, allegedly to disrupt his schedule ahead of a Congress meeting in Delhi. Congress leaders accuse the BJP of using central agencies against opposition figures, citing ongoing political rivalry.

In an escalating political battle, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday raided the residences of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel in Raipur and Bhilai. The raids, connected to the ongoing investigation into the Mahadev betting app case, allegedly aimed to disrupt Baghel's plans to attend a Congress meeting in Delhi.

Congress spokesperson Sushil Anand Shukla accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of deploying central agencies like the CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED) as tools against opposition leaders. This sentiment was echoed by Congress MP K Suresh, who argued that such agency-led actions have been a decade-long strategy of the BJP to undermine Congress leaders.

Baghel himself took to social media, noting the consistent targeting by the ED and claiming these actions were part of a wider strategy to defame him and his family. The ED has accused a cartel involving Baghel of illegal profits from liquor sales, raising political temperatures ahead of forthcoming national meetings.

(With inputs from agencies.)