Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has asserted that the BJP-led Centre did not play any significant role in countering Naxalism within the state. Baghel's comments were in reference to incidents of Naxal violence during the "double-engine government" led by former CM Raman Singh, spanning from 2014 to 2018. In an exclusive interview with news agency PTI, the Chief Minister emphasised that it was his government's well-rounded strategy of development, trust-building, and security that has effectively pushed the Naxalites onto the backfoot.


Baghel, whose political future hinges on the forthcoming assembly elections scheduled for November 7 and 17, elaborated on how the Congress is striving to retain power for a second consecutive term. The party is banking on his immense popularity, particularly among the Other Backward Classes (OBC) and rural constituencies, as well as on the government's welfare initiatives designed to benefit farmers, tribals, and the economically disadvantaged.


The Chief Minister categorically rejected the allegations of corruption levelled against his government by the BJP, deeming them a "malicious conspiracy" to tarnish his administration's reputation. Furthermore, he accused the Central government of attempting to influence elections through the use of federal agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate and the Income Tax Department.


Baghel pointed to the period between 2014 and 2018, during which Naxal-related incidents escalated in Chhattisgarh under the BJP's rule, he said. Conversely, following the Congress's ascension to power in 2018, the government's "development, trust, and security" approach led to a decrease in Naxal violence, according to Baghel. He asserted, "BJP has no role in it (controlling the Naxalite violence). They are the ones who provoke. Manipur is burning, but they are not going there."



He elaborated on his government's multifaceted efforts to address the Naxal issue. The Chhattisgarh Chief Minister mentioned that his government established police camps in core Naxal-affected regions, opening a total of 90 camps. These camps, which had been pending since 2009, significantly contributed to the liberation of approximately 600 villages from the Naxal menace. Furthermore, his administration undertook the reopening of 300 schools in Maoist-affected areas, constructed thousands of kilometres of roads, and executed numerous welfare schemes aimed at enhancing the economic conditions of the populace.



Responding to charges of various scams and actions taken by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Baghel staunchly defended his government noting that accusations of corruption regarding cow dung procurement were unfounded, as only Rs 271 crore worth of cow dung had been acquired under the "Godhan Nyay Yojana" since its inception, with funds directly deposited into the beneficiaries' accounts. Baghel asserted that the allegations were baseless and questioned the lack of action against factory owners in related cases.


"As far as BJP is concerned, they are left with just leveling allegations. They do not have anything to speak about what they will do (for the state) and that's why they are silent," he told PTI


He also highlighted concerns about the privatisation of the Nagarnar Steel Plant, an issue of significant import in the region. "PM Modi and Shah are lying. What level are you stooping to for votes? He claimed Amit Shah made a false statement that Nagarnar Steel Plant in Bastar, inaugurated recently by PM Modi, will not be privatised. The Nagarnar steel plant is on the disinvestment list of the committee headed by PM. In view of the elections, the Union home minister made a false statement that it will not be privatised, and is not being liked by the people of Bastar. People believe that only Congress can save the plant from going into private hands which is why residents of Bastar support Congress," he told PTI.


On the subject of alleged chit fund scams under the previous Raman Singh government, Baghel disclosed that he had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ED Director, urging an investigation. However, he claimed that no action has been taken in this regard.


Referring to a high-profile Panama Papers matter, Baghel alleged the involvement of Abhishek Singh, the former MP and son of Raman Singh. He also expressed his dissatisfaction with the government's inaction on this matter.


Baghel also addressed recent remarks by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who had suggested hanging corrupt individuals upside down. Baghel retorted, saying, "Amit Shah ji should first hang him (Singh) upside down," denouncing the Union Home Minister's comments.


Those Left Behind In Race Of Development Will Be Identified Through Caste Census: Chhattisgarh CM


In response to queries about his party's approach towards OBCs, Baghel pointed out that Congress had passed a bill proposing 27% reservation for OBCs, which is currently pending with the Raj Bhawan. He also highlighted Rahul Gandhi's promise to conduct a caste census in Chhattisgarh if Congress returns to power.


"An atmosphere is developing in the country for a caste census which will help deprived people from different castes - be its Scheduled Tribe, Scheduled Caste, OBC, or upper class. Those who were left behind in the race of development will be identified through the caste census and the government will chalk out plans for their welfare," he said.


"As far as projecting an OBC face is concerned, in Rahul Gandhiji's recent press conference there were four chief ministers including three OBCs - Ashok Gehlot, Siddaramaih, and me," he told PTI.


Baghel contended that such a census would benefit marginalised populations of various castes and aid in devising welfare plans.


Regarding his own political future, Baghel stated that the decision of whether he will continue as Chief Minister if the Congress triumphs in the elections will be determined by the party's high command.


He accused the BJP of attempting to gain political advantage by spreading communal discord with claims of religious conversion. Baghel insisted that such tactics would not succeed in Chhattisgarh.


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