'This Started After BJP Lost Jharkhand Polls': Chhattisgarh CM Baghel 'Predicts' More Raids After ED Action On Aide

Baghel said that BJP is making attempts to "defame and suppress" the Chhattisgarh government.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel

Source : PTI

New Delhi: A day after ED raided the residence of Chhattisgarh CM's political adviser Vinod Verma, Bhupesh Baghel on Thursday took a dig at BJP-led Centre and said that a team of 200-250 personnel of I-T will conduct more raids across the state in the next few months.

Addressing a press conference, Chhattisgarh CM said, "In the next few months, a team of 200-250 personnel of I-T will conduct raids across Chhattisgarh...As they conduct more raids, their seats will decrease."

#WATCH | "In the next few months, a team of 200-250 personnel of I-T will conduct raids across Chhattisgarh...As they conduct more raids, their seats will decrease...." says Chhattisgarh CM & Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel. pic.twitter.com/iGcdwuffcE

— ANI (@ANI) August 24, 2023

On Wednesday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had conducted raids at the residential premises of Vinod Verma, who serves as the political advisor to Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, and Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in Raipur.

While speaking to the media, Baghel said that the BJP is making attempts to "defame and suppress" the Chhattisgarh government.

"Attempts are being made to defame and suppress the Chhattisgarh government...This started in July 2020 after facing defeat (by BJP) in Jharkhand elections," he added.

#WATCH | Following ED raids at the premises of his political adviser Vinod Verma, Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel says, "Attempts are being made to defame and suppress the Chhattisgarh government...This started in July 2020 after facing defeat (by BJP) in Jharkhand elections..." pic.twitter.com/XATo4Hwa0Z

— ANI (@ANI) August 24, 2023

"We are people of Chhattisgarh and we are neither scared of dying nor going to jail...15 saal ki sarkar 15 seat mein simat gayi," he asserted.

The ED has been investigating different cases in Chhattisgarh pertaining to an alleged coal scam, liquor scam, irregularities in the District Mineral Foundation fund, and an online betting application.

In the last three days, the ED conducted searches at several locations in Raipur and Durg, apparently in connection with online betting activities, PTI had reported citing sources.