TFP Bureau, Raipur; June 16, 2024: Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has blamed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the recent unrest in Balodabazar, asserting that the incident is a direct result of the BJP’s appeasement policies and negligence. Baghel accused BJP leaders of provoking the crowd and orchestrating the violence, leading to a significant loss of faith in the government among the common people of Balodabazar.
Baghel raised several questions aimed at uncovering the truth behind the incident:
Role of BJP Leaders: Investigate the involvement of BJP District President Sanam Jangde and other BJP leaders in the movement.
Permissions and Funding: Identify who secured permission from the collector for the protest and who financed the rally’s food, stage, pandal, and microphone arrangements.
Provocative Speeches: Address why the Bhim Army members who delivered provocative speeches were not arrested.
Outside Influence: Determine the purpose and activities of the more than 250 people who came from Nagpur and why the government did not monitor them.
Armed Protesters: Investigate why the administration allowed people armed with sticks and batons to join the protest.
Administrative Inaction: Question why the administration did not prevent the crowd from reaching the Collectorate despite the early signs of violence.
Police Response: Clarify the police’s whereabouts and actions while vehicles were burned, and people were attacked, and why the SP did not act to stop the incident.
Baghel further criticized the BJP for its history of inciting religious violence, stating that this incident has damaged Chhattisgarh’s reputation. He emphasized that it is the government’s duty to provide a safe and secure environment for its citizens and maintain law and order. The lack of effective response from the administration has led to a loss of faith among the public.
“The common people, particularly small traders in Balodabazar, were targeted, creating an atmosphere of fear. The government’s failure to protect its citizens is evident when even the SP and Collector’s office, the most secure locations in the district, are not safe,” Baghel said,
calling for the resignation of the Chief Minister.
