THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Durg, Nov 4: In reference to the alleged “Mahadev” betting app scandal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday and called on the Congress leader to disclose any connections he might have with the individuals implicated in the case.
Modi spoke at a public gathering in Durg city, Chhattisgarh, which is gearing up for elections, one day after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) asserted that a forensic examination and a statement from a ‘cash courier’ had revealed “startling allegations” that Mahadev betting app promoters have paid approximately Rs 508 crore to Chhattisgarh CM Baghel to date.
In addition, Modi declared that the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, his government’s free ration program for 80 crore poor people, will be extended for a further five years.
Charging the Congress with abusing him and the entire Other Backward Classes (OBC) community, Modi stated that he was not intimidated by such abuse.
“Congress government in Chhattisgarh has not spared any chance to loot you. They have not even spared the name of ‘Mahadev’. Just two days ago, a major action was taken (by the Enforcement Directorate) in Raipur and a huge pile of cash was recovered. People are saying that this is the money belonging to ‘sattebaj’ (those involved in betting) and they have collected it by looting the poor and youth of Chhattisgarh. Congress leaders have been filling their houses with the same money,” he said.
The Prime Minister remarked that there are media reports suggesting that the money is associated with him, seemingly referring to CM Baghel.
“The Congress government and the chief minister should tell the people of Chhattisgarh what link they have with the accused in this scam sitting in Dubai,” he said.
“Congress’ priority is to fill its coffers by indulging in corruption…Chhattisgarh says ’30 taka kakka, apka kaam pakka’,” Prime Minister Modi stated, alleging that the Congress government receives a thirty per cent commission for every task.
The Prime Minister stated that, to him, the biggest ‘caste’ in the country is the ‘poor,’ and he referred to himself as their ‘sevak’ (servant).
He also alleged that political parties were devising fresh plots to sow division among the economically disadvantaged and promote caste-based hostilities.
The Prime Minister asserted that the Congress is not interested in the well-being of the impoverished and does not desire their situation to ameliorate.
“Congress abused the OBC prime minister. Why does Congress abuse the OBC community? Why do they call ‘Sahus’ (an influential OBC community in Chhattisgarh) thieves?” he asked.
Elections for the 90-member Chhattisgarh assembly are scheduled on November 7 and November 17 and the votes will be tallied on December 3.
