Making a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has termed Enforcement Directorate (ED) as ‘Bhasmasur’. Talking to media persons in the state capital before leaving for Beltara legislative assembly on Friday, Baghel said that there is a nexus between the BJP and the ED. Former Chief Minister Dr Raman Singh issued his press release regarding the ED’s raids first and the ED issued its press release later.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has accused the Enforcement Directorate of being biased towards the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and functioning as their agent. Baghel alleged that the ED conducts raids wherever the BJP points and has not targeted a single BJP leader so far. He further questioned how the ED determines who belongs to the BJP or Congress party. Baghel criticized the BJP for giving the ED immunity, making it a ‘Bhasmasur’ and expressed concern that there is no mechanism to hold the ED accountable if it acts unjustly. He claimed that the ED’s actions are politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing the image of Opposition parties.

According to Baghel, despite some people approaching the Supreme Court, the ED has become even more powerful. During interrogations, the officials are depriving individuals of water, despite providing them with food, and human rights activists are unable to intervene due to the risk of the ED making a case against them. Baghel likened the ED to a boon given to Bhasmasur by Lord Shiva, which may ultimately lead to their downfall. Baghel criticized the continuous raids conducted by the ED and CBI in Chhattisgarh, stating that they are roaming the streets like ordinary people.

He also expressed concern that after the Karnataka elections, the entire focus will shift to Chhattisgarh. Baghel responded to a question about a possible dialogue between the State government and the Naxalites by stating that he intends to consult with various groups, including Bastar residents, tribals, youth, farmers, and journalists. He emphasized that the Naxalites must demonstrate their trust in the Constitution of India before any discussion can take place. Regarding a question about the BJP’s claims to form a government in Karnataka through operation ‘lotus,’ Baghel suggested that such a move signifies the BJP’s acceptance of their defeat. “If there is a result like Chhattisgarh, then how can Operation lotus be possible? They are 14 and Congress is 71 here, then what operation will they do? At this time, the people of Karnataka have made up their mind. The Congress will win over 150 seats in Karnataka. After this result, no operation will be possible. The public will do the operation,” Baghel pointed.