Who is Bhupesh Baghel, whose son Chaitanya was arrested by ED?
Bhupesh Baghel, a stalwart of the Indian National Congress, has been a prominent figure in Chhattisgarh’s politics for decades. As the Chief Minister of the state from 2018 to 2023, he implemented several farmer-friendly policies and opposed the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with unwavering conviction. However, recent events have put his personal life under scrutiny, with his son Chaitanya Baghel being arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a multi-crore liquor scam case.
Who is Bhupesh Baghel?
Born in 1956 in Madhya Pradesh, Bhupesh Baghel hails from a humble background. He began his political career in the 1980s, working as a member of the Indian Youth Congress. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, becoming a prominent leader in the Congress party. In 2018, he was elected as the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, marking a significant victory for the Congress party in the state.
As Chief Minister, Baghel implemented several initiatives aimed at benefiting the state’s farmers. He increased the minimum support price (MSP) for crops, provided financial assistance to farmers, and strengthened the state’s agricultural infrastructure. His government also launched several schemes to promote entrepreneurship and employment among the youth.
Baghel’s tenure as Chief Minister was marked by his vocal opposition to the BJP-led central government. He was a vocal critic of the Centre’s policies, particularly on issues like demonetization and the Goods and Services Tax (GST). His government also took a strong stance against the BJP on issues like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
The Arrest of Chaitanya Baghel
On January 24, 2023, Chaitanya Baghel, Bhupesh Baghel’s son, was arrested by the ED in connection with a multi-crore liquor scam case. The case involves alleged irregularities in the granting of liquor licenses in Chhattisgarh during the Baghel government. Chaitanya Baghel, who is a businessman, was accused of being involved in the scam, which is estimated to have caused a loss of over ₹1,000 crore to the state exchequer.
The ED’s investigation revealed that liquor licenses were granted to ineligible candidates, leading to a significant loss of revenue for the state. The agency also accused Chaitanya Baghel of using his influence to get these licenses. The arrest sparked a political controversy, with the BJP demanding Baghel’s resignation as Chief Minister.
Reactions to the Arrest
The arrest of Chaitanya Baghel has sparked a heated debate in Chhattisgarh’s politics. The BJP has demanded that Baghel step down as Chief Minister, citing his son’s involvement in the scam. The Congress party, on the other hand, has come out in support of Baghel, claiming that the ED’s action is politically motivated.
Other opposition parties in the state, including the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Samajwadi Party (SP), have also demanded Baghel’s resignation. However, the Congress party has maintained that there is no evidence to link Baghel to the scam and that the ED’s action is an attempt to tarnish his reputation.
Conclusion
Bhupesh Baghel’s tenure as Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh was marked by his commitment to farmer-friendly policies and his vocal opposition to the BJP. However, the recent arrest of his son Chaitanya Baghel in a multi-crore liquor scam case has put his personal life under scrutiny. As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this controversy will impact Baghel’s political career and the politics of Chhattisgarh.
Source:
https://thecsrjournal.in/chhattisgarh-liquor-scam-ex-cm-bhupesh-baghels-son-arrested-ed/
