Raipur: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has expressed concerns over the active presence of personnel from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Income Tax (IT) departments, likening their activities to be more conspicuous than even stray dogs and cats in the state. Baghel emphasized that individuals apprehended and sent to jail might face difficulties securing bail.
Regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement that corrupt individuals in the state are hesitant to face him and hence avoid attending the inauguration of the Nagarnar Steel Plant, Baghel alleged that even journalists have been subjected to incarceration. This, he asserted, naturally creates an atmosphere of fear. Baghel remarked, “They are even sending journalists to jail, so it is obvious to be apprehensive. More than cats and dogs, the personnel of ED and IT are freely moving about. It is clear that once someone is imprisoned, securing bail becomes challenging. Therefore, it’s natural to be cautious of them, referring to PM Modi.”
While acknowledging that the Congress-led government in the state is not opposed to the Nagarnar Steel Plant, Baghel raised concerns about the plant’s fate. He alleged that it had been included in a disinvestment list with plans for privatization even before its commissioning.
Baghel called for a peaceful bandh in Bastar and urged the Prime Minister to ensure that the Nagarnar Plant remains in public hands rather than privatized. He emphasized the importance of listening to the voices of ordinary citizens regarding the plant’s future, stressing the need for public input and concerns to be taken into consideration.