Suspend IPL to save fuel amid crisis: Baghel to PM

Raipur: Senior Congress leader and former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to immediately suspend the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), citing fuel crisis arising out of the ongoing conflicts between America and Iran.

In a social media post, Baghel said the continuation of the IPL during such a sensitive period was inappropriate and called upon the Centre to prioritise national interest and public safety.

“Prime Minister, please stop the IPL immediately,” Baghel said, while arguing that halting the tournament would reduce large-scale public movement to stadiums and help save fuel. The Congress general secretary further claimed that suspension of the league would also halt payments made in foreign currency to overseas players and curb betting activities allegedly linked to IPL.

The former Chhattisgarh CM also took a swipe at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), alleging that even some Sangh workers had become involved in betting activities associated with the tournament. “Betting will also stop,” he remarked. The remarks come amid opposition leaders increasingly questioning the Centre’s priorities during the crisis.

The BJP had not issued an immediate response to Baghel’s remarks till the filing of this report.