Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel dismisses link to Mahadev book betting app as ‘planted’ | India News

RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, on Tuesday, described the claims linking his name with the controversial online Mahadev Book betting app as “planted,” saying that the BJP has conceded defeat, and this is their final gamble.
“The person whose money has been seized has a photo with former chief minister Raman Singh. Until the day before yesterday, no one knew Shubham Soni; he suddenly became the owner of Mahadev Book.Before that, the ED used to refer to him as an officer,” he added.
“During Raman Singh’s tenure, two more officers used to fabricate such stories. This is all a setup. The BJP has admitted defeat. It’s their last-ditch effort. The ED should investigate why they haven’t determined the source of the money,” he said.
The chief minister also took a dig at the BJP, pointing out that many individuals had their “stains” removed after joining the party, which he referred to as “Modi washing powder.”

He was responding to a question by reporters about Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Udhav Thackeray’s statement that Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel would receive a clean chit if he switched to the saffron party. If this happens, the Mahadev betting app would become a “Har, Har Mahadev” for the BJP.
When a reporter pointed out Thackeray’s statement and asked whether he would join the BJP, the chief minister said it’s a sarcastic comment by the Sena leader, noting that many leaders facing cases had their names cleared after joining the BJP.
“Ajit Pawar joined the BJP, and his name was removed from the ED’s list. Assam chief minister Hemanta Biswa Sarma, who is currently in Chhattisgarh, was embroiled in the Sarada Chit fund case. He became Chief Minister after joining the BJP. There is Narayan Rane and many others. All their stains were removed after getting washed with Modi washing powder,” he added.
Watch Chhattisgarh Polls 2023: CM Bhupesh Baghel defends his reputation amidst BJP’s claims