Raipur, India: Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing the party of political pressure in the resignation of Nitish Kumar and criticizing the state government over law and order and issues related to paddy procurement.
Speaking in Raipur, Baghel compared recent political developments in Maharashtra and Bihar, saying the election outcomes left little room for political maneuvering. He alleged that BJP had planned from the beginning not to allow Nitish Kumar to continue as chief minister.
Baghel claimed it was already clear before the Bihar elections that Kumar would eventually be forced out. “Nitish Kumar is an experienced politician and managed to take oath as chief minister for the tenth time, but when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah made their move, he was pushed aside again,” Baghel said.
He also referred to the resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, questioning the circumstances under which it happened. Baghel alleged that Dhankhar initially cited health reasons but later stated he was not ill, raising questions about the real reason behind the resignation.
Attack on Government Over Paddy Procurement
Baghel also criticized the Chhattisgarh government over the issue of drying losses in paddy stored at procurement centers. According to him, the government’s rule that drying loss would be borne by cooperative societies unfairly targets workers and farmers.
“With temperatures crossing 35°C, some drying of paddy is natural. Workers are even sprinkling water on the grain to prevent losses. The government cannot justify penalizing them for this,” he said.
Baghel questioned the government’s procurement data as well, pointing out that districts with lower rainfall recorded higher paddy procurement. He cited Bemetara and Mahasamund among the top procurement districts despite receiving less rainfall.
Concerns Over Law and Order
The former chief minister also raised concerns about law and order in the state, referring to violent incidents during the festival of Holi. Baghel alleged that crime has been rising in Chhattisgarh and criticized the state’s Home Department leadership for failing to control the situation.
Baghel’s remarks come amid ongoing political tensions in the state and renewed debate over governance, agricultural policies, and security issues under the current BJP administration.