BJP President JP Nadda criticized the Congress government in Chhattisgarh, accusing them of involvement with the ‘Mahadev’ betting app, suggesting a link to Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel allegedly receiving Rs 508 crore from its promoters. During a public rally in the state, Nadda insinuated that leaders in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, along with Congress figure Kamal Nath, collect funds for the Congress party’s benefit.
Nadda stated, “They (Congress government) have not even spared ‘Mahadev.’ ‘Satta’ (power) for ‘Satta’ (betting). A person arriving from Dubai was arrested with claims of bringing Rs 800 crore to offer to CM Bhupesh Baghel. Do you want such a corrupt government here?” These comments came after Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel questioned why the BJP had not banned the app.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed concerns regarding Congress’s connection to the betting app and demanded an explanation regarding the Enforcement Directorate’s allegations. The agency reported that Asim Das, sent from the UAE, confessed to delivering Rs 508 crore to Chhattisgarh’s Chief Minister on behalf of Mahadev app promoters for election expenses.
The Chhattisgarh Assembly elections will be conducted in two phases, with the first phase scheduled for November 7 (20 seats) and the remaining 70 seats to be contested on November 17, with vote counting set for December 3.