Politics
Swarajya Staff
Nov 13, 2023, 01:46 PM | Updated 01:46 PM IST
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (13 November) said that the Congress party's rule in Chhattisgarh is nearing its end.
Speaking at the Vijay Sankalap Maharally at Chattisgarh's Mungeli, PM Modi also attacked state Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, citing the controversial Mahadev betting app scam.
The Enforcement Directorate has linked the Congress leader with the ongoing probe in the betting app case.
“I want to ask some questions to Congress. The 'Mahadev betting app scam' is worth Rs 508 crore and the probe agencies have recovered loads of cash in this case. A close aide of the Chhattisgarh CM is also in jail. Congress should reveal how much money did the CM receive in this,” the Prime Minister said, Hindustan Times reported.
“The time has come for the farewell of those Congress leaders who have looted you for 5 years. The public of the state is eager for the 'bidai' (bid farewell) of Congress from the state... The public doesn't want Congress anymore," PM Modi said.
Last week, the ED said that an email statement from a suspect in the alleged scam revealed that promoters of the operation paid bribes worth Rs 508 crore to Baghel.
Later, the BJP shared a video of Shubham Soni, an accused in the Mahadev Book betting app case, saying he is its owner and had the "proof" of paying Rs 508 crore so far to Baghel. However, the Chhattisgarh CM rejected the claim made by Soni.
PM Modi said that action will be taken against the corrupt in Chhattisgarh after BJP comes to power.
He also accused the Congress of prioritising vote bank politics over the well-being of marginalised communities.
PM Modi asserted that the the Congress party had consistently failed to uplift Dalits, OBCs, and tribals, alleging that their actions were driven by a relentless pursuit of electoral gains.
"Congress can do anything in the greed for vote bank and appeasement. Congress did not even respect the faith of Dalits, OBCs and tribals," he said.
PM Modi further said, "After so many decades of independence, if anyone is poor in the country today, the only culprit is Congress. Even after decades of the 'Garibi Hatao' slogan, Dalits, OBCs, and tribals of the country remain poor, then Congress is the culprit".
The first phase of polling for 20 seats in Chhattisgarh concluded on 7 November, with the remaining 70 seats scheduled for voting on 17 November. The counting of votes is scheduled for 3 December.