Congress Leader Bhupesh Baghel Makes Explosive Allegation Against Amit Shah
In a significant political development, senior Congress leader and former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has leveled serious allegations against Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Baghel claimed on Thursday that Shah personally contacted him regarding ongoing cases against him, with what he described as an implicit suggestion to join the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.
Direct Communication from the Home Minister
Baghel revealed details of this alleged communication during a media interaction. "Amit Shah called me and asked about the cases against me," Baghel stated. "I responded that it was a pleasure to hear from him, but clarified that as an opposition leader, it is my duty to criticize the government. I told him that even after my criticism, if he was willing to help me, that was interesting."
The former chief minister emphasized that Shah did not make a direct proposition during their conversation. "He did not directly say that I should join the BJP," Baghel acknowledged. However, he described a sequence of events that followed this communication that he found revealing.
The 'Washing Machine' Allegation and Subsequent Raid
Baghel went on to explain his interpretation of what he believes was Shah's unspoken message. "Soon after that conversation, there was a raid conducted on me," he claimed. "Then, I realized what he wanted to say."
This incident forms part of Baghel's broader accusation against the BJP's approach to opposition leaders. He articulated what has become known in political circles as the 'washing machine' theory. "BJP always puts allegations and files FIR against people from the Opposition," Baghel asserted. "ED and IT are weapons of the BJP, and when someone gets trapped in this, the BJP calls them and says that they have a washing machine in which they can come out clean."
Historical Precedents and Political References
To substantiate his claims, Baghel cited several prominent political figures who have switched allegiances after facing investigations:
- Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, formerly with Congress
- Late former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar
- Former Union Minister Narayan Rane
These references were presented as evidence of what Baghel characterized as a pattern of behavior by the ruling party.
Firm Rejection and Electoral Context
Despite the alleged overture, Baghel was unequivocal about his political stance. "There is no question of joining the BJP," he declared firmly.
The Congress leader also addressed allegations raised during recent elections regarding the Mahadev app betting case. "During elections, Modi ji had levelled allegations regarding the Mahadev app," Baghel noted. "But bets are being placed even today. Who is taking the protection money - is it PM Modi or Vishnu Deo Sai?" This rhetorical question pointed to ongoing concerns about betting activities in Chhattisgarh.
Broader Political Context and BJP Response
These allegations come amid persistent opposition claims about the alleged misuse of central investigative agencies for political purposes. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Income Tax Department (IT) have frequently been at the center of such controversies, with opposition parties accusing the government of weaponizing these agencies.
The BJP has consistently denied these allegations. Party representatives have previously stated that central agencies operate independently and follow due process without political interference. They maintain that investigations are conducted based on evidence and legal requirements, not political considerations.
Baghel's allegations add another layer to the ongoing political discourse about the relationship between investigative agencies and political power in India. As a former chief minister and senior Congress leader, his claims carry significant weight in political circles and are likely to fuel further debate about the boundaries between law enforcement and political competition.
The development also highlights the intense political maneuvering in states like Chhattisgarh, where both major parties are vying for advantage ahead of future electoral contests. Baghel's firm rejection of any potential switch to BJP underscores the deep political divisions while his allegations about the Home Minister's communication suggest high-level political engagements that remain largely unseen by the public.
