TFP Bureau, Raipur; August 23, 2024: The Congress party staged a nationwide protest on August 22, 2024, against what it describes as the misuse of central agencies by the BJP-led central government. In Chhattisgarh, the protest was led by State Congress President Deepak Baij, Leader of Opposition Dr. Charandas Mahant, and former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, who spearheaded a demonstration in front of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office in Raipur. The party submitted a memorandum to the ED, criticizing its alleged targeting of opposition leaders.
State Congress President Deepak Baij highlighted the disproportionate number of cases registered by the ED against opposition leaders, stating,
“Out of the 5,422 cases registered by the ED across the country, excluding 300 cases, the rest are against opposition leaders.”
He accused the BJP government of using central agencies to intimidate and coerce opposition leaders into joining their party. Baij asserted that despite these tactics, the Congress would not be cowed and vowed to continue fighting for justice, truth, and non-violence. He condemned the alleged misuse of the ED and IT departments, calling for these agencies to focus on their primary responsibilities.
Baij further emphasized the Congress party’s resolve, referencing past incidents where party leaders were jailed, such as the Balodabazar incident involving the Youth District President and a two-time MLA. He declared that for every Congress leader jailed, thousands of workers would stand ready to continue the fight, asserting that
“the walls of the jail will fall short, and the pages of FIR will fall short.” Baij accused the BJP government of acting out of revenge and declared that the Congress is prepared to write and change history.
Leader of Opposition Dr. Charandas Mahant mentioned recent developments involving SEBI, noting that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has called for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to uncover the truth.
Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel criticized the Modi government, claiming it had made multiple policy U-turns due to pressure from opposition protests. Baghel warned ED officers to adhere strictly to constitutional rules and laws, suggesting that a future government might investigate the actions of the ED, CBI, and DRI under a committee of Supreme Court judges.
The protest reflects the Congress party’s ongoing struggle against what it perceives as the central government’s misuse of power, with leaders reaffirming their commitment to standing against these practices.
