Former Chhattisgarh CM raises questions over Saurabh Chandrakar extradition, liquor scam, online betting, paper leaks, Vande Mataram, inflation and PMAY figures
Raipur, Chhattisgarh: Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel launched a broad attack on the BJP-led government during a press conference, raising questions on several issues including the alleged liquor scam, online betting, the extradition of Saurabh Chandrakar, paper leaks, Vande Mataram, inflation, fuel prices and the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
Baghel also questioned the government’s silence over alleged revenue losses related to mineral resources and accused the BJP government of failing to address several issues affecting the people of Chhattisgarh.
Questions Government Over Mineral Resources
Baghel said important issues had come up during the state Assembly and Parliament sessions, while some matters were allegedly passed without adequate discussion.
Referring to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, he claimed that powers earlier available to state governments had been curtailed and that greater authority had been retained by the Centre.
He said several state governments, including those of Kerala and Jharkhand, had raised objections because of concerns over potential revenue losses to the states.
Liquor Scam and Online Betting
On the liquor trade, Baghel alleged that liquor was being sold at prices above the prescribed rates in Chhattisgarh and claimed that counterfeit liquor was also being sold.
He questioned when the Enforcement Directorate (ED) would take action in such matters.
On online betting, Baghel alleged that betting activities were continuing openly despite the BJP government being in power.
He questioned whether the “double-engine government” had succeeded in stopping online betting and alleged that cases were being handed over to central agencies such as the ED and CBI.
‘When Rahul Gandhi Becomes PM, Saurabh Chandrakar Will Return’
Baghel also made strong remarks regarding alleged online betting promoter Saurabh Chandrakar and his possible return to India.
He questioned how an investigation would proceed if Chandrakar were brought back to India and alleged that the betting network had links reaching influential people.
Baghel claimed that several questions would be answered if Chandrakar returned to India and alleged that the identities of people involved in the alleged network could be exposed.
He said that, in his view, Saurabh Chandrakar would return to India when a Congress government comes to power at the Centre and Rahul Gandhi becomes Prime Minister, adding that the alleged “entire network” would then be exposed.
These statements are political allegations made by Baghel and were not independently established during the press conference.
Questions Raised Over Paper Leak Cases
On paper leaks, Baghel said that although the government had strengthened the law introduced in 2024, incidents of paper leaks had continued.
He questioned why senior officials associated with the National Testing Agency (NTA) had not been held accountable.
Baghel alleged that paper leaks had also surfaced in Chhattisgarh despite the tougher legislation, citing incidents allegedly linked to educational institutions and examinations in different districts.
He questioned whether merely making laws stricter was sufficient if the system itself continued to suffer from irregularities.
Vande Mataram Debate
Baghel also criticised the BJP over the ongoing debate surrounding Vande Mataram.
He referred to the period following Independence and said that several prominent leaders had accepted the resolution concerning Vande Mataram.
Baghel questioned the argument that people who do not sing the complete song should be branded anti-national.
He said that many ordinary and less-educated people may not know all the verses and questioned whether they should be labelled “desh-drohi”.
Baghel said the Congress has traditionally sung Vande Mataram at its national and state-level programmes.
He also challenged Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to sing all six verses of Vande Mataram without the assistance of a teleprompter.
Questions Government’s Claims on PMAY Houses
Baghel also raised questions over the number of houses constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) in Chhattisgarh.
He said the BJP government had claimed that 18 lakh houses had been constructed, while another figure of around 10 lakh houses had reportedly appeared in a written response cited by him.
Baghel said the government should clarify the discrepancy and provide the public with accurate figures.
‘Gen Z and Gen Alpha Are Raising Their Voices’
Speaking about Gen Z and Gen Alpha, Baghel said young people were increasingly raising their voices over issues concerning education and public infrastructure.
He referred to protests and problems related to schools, teachers and school buildings in several districts of Chhattisgarh.
Baghel highlighted the previous Congress government’s initiative of converting more than 750 schools into Swami Atmanand Excellence Schools, claiming that infrastructure improvements had also been sanctioned where required.
Attack on Inflation, Fuel Prices and Adulteration
Baghel also criticised the government over rising prices and alleged adulteration.
Referring to the seizure of adulterated paneer in Mahasamund, he alleged that consumers were also facing problems because of fuel quality.
He claimed that vehicle mileage had declined and that people were facing higher maintenance costs.
Baghel also raised concerns over the rising prices of sugar, onions, cooking oil, petrol and diesel.
He questioned why consumers were being forced to purchase sugar at higher prices despite Chhattisgarh having four sugar factories.
He asked the state government to clarify the availability of sugar stocks and why prices had increased.
Baghel further criticised rising electricity bills, alleging that ordinary domestic and commercial consumers were bearing the burden while large industries were receiving subsidies.
Ram Temple Donation Issue
Baghel also raised the issue of alleged theft of donations at the Ram Temple and described it as a matter concerning the faith of millions of devotees.
He questioned why the matter was being treated solely as a state issue, arguing that the Ram Temple has significance for devotees across India and around the world.
Baghel said that the Prime Minister had played a prominent role in events associated with the Ram Temple, including the foundation-laying ceremony and consecration, and therefore questioned the Centre’s position on the alleged donation-related controversy.
The allegations and political claims made by Baghel at the press conference represent his stated position and would require verification from the concerned authorities and other parties involved.
