Mahadev Betting App case: 'ED is BJP, BJP is ED,' says Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel

NEW DELHI: Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel on Monday said the Election Commission should have taken cognizance of the Enforcement Directorate press release which was issued to defame someone.

"When there was an Election Commission meeting, the ED (Enforcement Directorate), IT (Income Tax) were present in it. Why has the Election Commission not taken cognizance of this? The media is reporting such a grave allegation. So the Election Commission should have taken suo motu cognizance of this," Baghel said speaking at a press conference on Monday.

The ED had on Friday claimed that a forensic analysis and a statement made by a 'cash courier' Shubham Soni have led to "startling allegations" that Mahadev betting app promoters paid about Rs 508 crore to Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel so far, and that "these are subject matter of investigation".



Baghel also strongly objected to the release of video by the BJP which shows Shubham Soni claiming that he had "proof" of paying Rs 508 crore to Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel. When asked about the video, Bhupesh Baghel said, " The press release was issued by ED and the video was released by the BJP, so it is now clear that the ED is BJP and BJP is ED."

The video was released by BJP's central media convener, Siddharthnath Singh at a press conference here. In the video, Soni claimed, "I own the Mahadev app and Sourabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal (alleged kingpins of the scam) are my advisors." He further alleged that he was "encouraged" by Baghel to go to Dubai and run his business, and that he has been giving "protection money" to Chhattisgarh politicians and police to protect his men.

The Chhattisgarh chief minister called it an "attempt to spoil" his image just before the assembly elections. In a post on X, Baghel alleged the BJP is employing central agencies to tarnish the image of the people-friendly Congress government of the state.

"It is no mystery why and how this video has come and it is also not difficult to understand that such a statement has been issued at the time of elections only to benefit the BJP. Just before elections, an ugly attempt is made to spoil my image. This is a political attempt to defame the popular Congress government through ED's medium," he said.

Baghel also said that the BJP is contesting the assembly elections with the help of the Enforcement Directorate.

"Everyone also understands that this is being done by weaponizing ED. In fact, BJP is now contesting elections with the help of ED and is using ED to defame me," he said.

Baghel also said that he does not know Shubham Soni, nor has he met him.

"First of all, I do not know this person, nor have I ever met him in the way he is claiming. I can't say if he was a part of any gathering or function," he said.

Baghel also questioned the investigation carried out by the federal agency.

"Secondly, this person is claiming that he is the owner of 'Mahadev App'. Surprisingly, even the ED, the agency which has been investigating this case for months, was not aware of this and till two days ago, the ED was calling him a manager," he said.

"The people of Chhattisgarh understand everything and are ready to give a befitting reply to the BJP and "its ally ED in the elections," Baghel said.

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