BJP Accuses Congress of Using Hawala Funds from Illegal Betting to Fund Chhattisgarh Campaign

The BJP has leveled allegations against the Congress, asserting that hawala funds from illegal betting operators are being used to finance the party's election campaign in Chhattisgarh. Union Minister Smriti Irani made these claims during a press conference, pointing fingers at Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, who has been accused of receiving a kickback of over Rs 500 crore.

Irani emphasized that such compelling evidence has never been witnessed in India's electoral history, stating that Baghel's political battle is allegedly fueled by hawala and betting operators, insinuating that he is using his position to engage in betting activities.

The Chief Minister, in response, has accused the BJP of manipulating central investigation agencies to target him just before the state's assembly elections scheduled for November 7 and 17.

Smriti Irani challenged Baghel's stance by pointing out that the Enforcement Directorate's inquiry is based on investigations conducted by the Chhattisgarh police as well as their counterparts in Andhra Pradesh. She questioned whether Baghel was inadvertently implicating his own government.

According to the probe findings, more than Rs 64 crore in protection money was allegedly paid to authorities by illegal betting operators. Irani claimed that voice messages and statements from the accused connect the usage of betting proceeds to the Congress' election campaign in the state and alleged kickbacks given to Baghel.

The Enforcement Directorate reported on Friday that a forensic analysis and statements by a 'cash courier' have led to "startling allegations" that the promoters of the Mahadev betting app have paid around Rs 508 crore to the Chhattisgarh chief minister, although these claims are subject to ongoing investigation.

(Note: This article has been sourced from a syndicated news agency feed PTI and has not been edited by Business Universe staff.)