'They Haven't Even Spared Name Of Mahadev': PM Modi Attacks Congress In Chhattisgarh Over Betting App Row

Following the emergence of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel's name in an investigation related to the Mahadev betting app, the BJP has started attacking the Congress, accusing the party of utilizing 'illegal money' to finance their campaign for the upcoming state assembly elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarked that the party has not even spared 'Mahadev', one of the names of Lord Shiva.

During a rally in Durg, PM Modi criticized the Congress led Chhattisgarh government and accused it of exploiting every opportunity to deceive the public.

"Congress government in Chhattisgarh has not spared any chance to loot you. They have not even spared the name of 'Mahadev'. Just two days ago, a major action was taken (by the Enforcement Directorate) in Raipur and a huge pile of cash was recovered,"  PM Modi said, news agency PTI reported.

Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel came under the radar of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) after one of the couriers arrested with ₹ 5 crore said he was supposed to give the money to a politician named 'Baghel'.

The courier also alleged that the promoters of the Mahadev betting app had already paid Baghel a sum of Rs 508 crore.

The probe agency has said that the probe is still on and they haven't independently verified the allegations yet.

PM Modi assured that once the BJP forms the government in the state, action will be taken against all the accused involved in looting Chhattisgarh.

"Action will indeed be taken against those who looted Chhattisgarh. Account for every penny will be taken from them. I assure you once again, after the BJP government is formed in the state, such scams will be strictly investigated and those who looted you will be sent to jail," he said, NDTV reported.

Earlier, Union Minister and BJP leader Smriti Irani also criticised the Congress party, accusing the party of using "hawala" money to finance their campaign in the state. The state is scheduled to vote on 7 and 17 November.

Hawala is an informal system of money transfer that operates without the physical movement of cash and relies on trust.

Mahadev app would do large-scale hawala operations to siphon off the proceeds of betting to offshore accounts.

Baghel has denied the allegations against him and claimed that the ED is making a "malicious attempt" to damage his reputation before the elections.

He further accused PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah of takin the help of central investigation agencies after being unsuccessful in challenging the ruling Congress in the state.

"This means that the BJP is afraid and wants to tarnish my image by accusing me. The (BJP) used to blame Himanta Biswa Sarma and Ajit Pawar. They even make the investigation happen. But when they join your party, they get washed with 'Modi Washing Powder' and they get cleaned," Baghel said.

The Congress party has expressed its support for the Chief Minister and said that the people will give a befitting reply in the elections.