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The Times of India
The Times of India
National
Rashmi Drolia | TNN

Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel threatens legal action against Raman Singh for 'Sonia Gandhi’s ATM' remark

RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel on Wednesday sharply reacted to BJP national vice president Raman Singh’s remarks and demanded an apology for his remarks that “Bhupesh is acting as the ATM for Sonia Gandhi” and for his allegation that an ‘illegal levy’ of Rs 25 per tonne is being collected in coal transportation.

"Raman Singh’s statement on ‘ATM of Sonia Gandhi’ is highly objectionable and he should prove his allegations on this as well as allegations on coal transportation. Singh must apologize publicly. Else, action would be taken against him and I would file a defamation case. Singh goes to Delhi to do what? Only to complain. But he can’t be alleging just about anything?” he told reporters.

The chief minister reiterated that ED raids are being conducted on the premises of state and IAS officers as BJP is unable to politically and electorally fight in the state. "That is why it’s misusing central agencies for threatening", he added.

The former BJP chief minister, however, took to Twitter to reply, "Bhupesh Baghel ji, you are threatening me of defamation in order to save the corrupt officers who looted Chhattisgarh Mehtari. Then not one, lodge ten cases. If you allege BJP asks ED to come to the state, then you should also prove it and if you fail to prove it, I will file a defamation case against you."

Chief minister Baghel blamed the BJP for attempting to slander the state government and its officials.

"Central agencies are supposed to act upon those involved in wrongdoings, which they should, but overall, agencies like IT, ED and DRI are being used to gain political benefits and slander the politicians as well as officials. We also swooped upon the coal washeries in the state, and they will be taken to task and slapped with penalty and action, but we haven’t politically gained anything. Did Raman Singh take such action when he was in power for 15 years?" Baghel asked.

Replying to allegations on levy of Rs 25 per tonne on coal transportation, Baghel said, “What role does the state has to play when coal is majorly covered by the Central government and they only allow the coal mines? Of the 58 coal mines, 52 belong to SECL which is of the Centre and there are only two or four private mines. Clearly, it’s frustration and they (BJP) are scared and trying to frighten the officers by using central agencies and raids. These officers during BJP’s regime were good and with the change of government, they have turned bad. Officers are working as per the constitution and democracy, BJP should stop threatening them," Baghel said.

When asked about the ED raids in the state, CM said that no official statement has been issued by the agency yet nor any name has been pronounced by them, it’s only the media reports coming based on sources.

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