Govt targeting those speaking against corruption: Baghel

Raipur: Former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel on Thursday highlighted the dangers of speaking out against corruption in Chhattisgarh, stating that result could be like the brutal killing of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar in Bijapur or the arrest of Congress MLA Kawasi Lakhma.Reacting to the latest developments in the state, including the arrest of Lakhma by the ED on Wednesday, Baghel pointed out that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) initiated an investigation against Lakhma in an alleged liquor scam in 2020-21 but arrested him on January 15, 2025. The reason behind Lakhma's arrest is quite clear: "he raised his voice against alleged corruption in bridge constructions in Sukma district of Bastar during the winter session of the state assembly."Baghel said that journalist Mukesh also exposed corruption in a road construction project under a central govt's LWE scheme, where the project cost escalated from Rs 50 crore to Rs 142 crore, with 90% of payments made without work completion. Likewise, Kawasi Lakhma raised concerns about irregularities in two bridge construction projects in Sukma district during the Chhattisgarh Assembly's winter session held from December 16 to 20, Baghel stated."The projects were approved without proper tender, budget allocation, or adherence to the model code of conduct. The tender was only issued after questions arose in the Assembly," he said.Baghel emphasised that the ED raids at Lakhma's residence yielded no incriminating evidence or money. He criticised RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's statement on India achieving 'true independence' with the Ram temple construction in Ayodhya, suggesting that the RSS disregards the constitution and freedom fighters' sacrifices. He called for an FIR against Bhagwat but questioned whether Delhi police would take such action."Rahul Ji and Congress are fighting not only with the principles of RSS or BJP but also the institutions like ED, CBI, and income tax, which are either controlled by the BJP or working under immense pressure from the central govt," Baghel stated during a press conference at the AICC office in Delhi on Thursday.