'Linking me to Mahadev App a ploy'

Stories are planted by ED, BJP; more such tales will continue till Nov 17: C'garh CM Baghel

- Ejaz Kaiser

CHHATTISGARH Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel appeared to take the Enforcement Directorate head-on over searches and raids tied to the CM in the Mahadev betting app 'scam'. Baghel says these are a "ploy carried out at the behest of political masters" ahead of the Assembly polls. The ED is also investigating alleged scams in coal levy transport, liquor and the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds in the state. In an interview with Ejaz Kaiser, Baghel says he and the Congress are targeted by the Central probe agency to guard the vested political interest. Excerpts:

Will the ED robe harm the prospects of Congress in Chhattisgarh polls since you are named by the ED?

Not at all. People are well aware of how the probe by the Central agencies is being done intentionally in non-BJP-ruled states. I have always been saying that BJP is fighting the elections with the support of the Central agencies and the ED has begun showing its true colour. Stories are being planted against me. More such tales and narratives will continue till Nov 17 (second phase of polling). People can wait for more of these episodes.

ED's ongoing probes into various other scams might bring in trouble for you and the party?