The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has called for the arrest of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and a thorough investigation into his alleged involvement in a liquor scam in the state, according to AIOSEO guidelines.
On Saturday, the ED apprehended Anwar Dhebar, a liquor businessman and the brother of Congress leader and Raipur Mayor Aijaz Dhebar, in relation to the purported scam. In its application for custody submitted to a special court, the ED stated that a “massive scam” had taken place in Chhattisgarh’s liquor trade, orchestrated by a syndicate consisting of high-ranking state government officials, private individuals, and political executives. The agency also claimed that the scam had generated over Rs 2,000 crore in corrupt funds between 2019 and 2022.
During a press conference, AAP leader and Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj asserted, “Such an extensive scam cannot occur without a nexus that extends from the bottom to the top. To operate such a syndicate, the endorsement of a prominent political leader is required. The nature of this scam squarely implicates the chief minister of the state.” Bharadwaj demanded a probe into the involvement of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Baghel in the scam and further insisted that he be arrested and interrogated. Additionally, he called for the ED to question Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in connection with the case.
“The proximity between the Chhattisgarh chief minister and Rahul Gandhi necessitates interrogating the latter,” alleged the AAP leader, emphasizing, “It is implausible that Rahul Gandhi is unaware of such a significant scam transpiring right under his nose.”
When questioned about the AAP’s decision to target the Congress on this issue, despite recently expressing support for opposition unity efforts against the BJP, Bharadwaj responded by stating, “Congress members themselves have advised us not to fear investigation.”
Congress leader Ajay Maken has been criticizing the AAP regarding the alleged liquor policy scam in Delhi and the expenditure of Rs 45 crore on renovating Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s official residence, who also serves as the national convener of the AAP.
Last month, Maken, a former Delhi Congress chief, launched a scathing attack on Kejriwal, asserting that individuals like him and his associates facing “serious corruption charges” should not be afforded sympathy or support. Maken’s stance diverged from that of the party’s central leadership, as Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge had contacted Kejriwal after the AAP national convener was summoned by the Central Bureau of Investigation.
