Political Turmoil in Chhattisgarh: Congress Office Seized Amid Corruption Allegations
Political Unrest in Chhattisgarh
The political landscape in Chhattisgarh is once again in turmoil. Following a series of raids, the Congress party's office in Sukma district has been confiscated. The Chhattisgarh unit of Congress criticized the central government on Friday for this action by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), labeling it a political conspiracy orchestrated by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Money Laundering Case Linked to Liquor Scam
The ED has seized the Congress office in Sukma and assets worth ₹6.15 crore belonging to MLA and former minister Kawasi Lakhma as part of an investigation into a money laundering case connected to an alleged liquor scam exceeding ₹2100 crore that occurred during the previous Bhupesh Baghel government. Sushil Anand Shukla, head of the communication wing of the Chhattisgarh Congress, stated that the ED's actions were directed by the BJP.
Allegations of Political Conspiracy
Shukla remarked, 'Central agencies are overstepping their boundaries at the behest of the BJP. The seizure of the Sukma district Congress office by the ED is highly objectionable and part of a political conspiracy by the BJP.' He asserted that he would account for every penny spent on establishing the district office, which was built with the support of party workers and the public during their 15 years in opposition.
Calls for Investigation into BJP's Funding
He further questioned, 'If the ED has the courage, it should investigate the sources of funds for the BJP's Kushabhau Thakre complex in Raipur, which cost ₹150 crore. This complex was constructed like a five-star hotel. Where did the funding come from?' Shukla also pointed out that the RSS built its office in Delhi at a cost of ₹500 crore, asking why the ED is not investigating the source of that money. He criticized the ED for acting like an extension of the BJP.
BJP Responds to Allegations
In response, Kedar Gupta, spokesperson for the ruling BJP in the state, stated that numerous scams occurred during the previous Bhupesh Baghel government, leading to the confiscation of party offices built on the foundation of corruption. Gupta noted, 'During the tenure of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel (2018 to 2023), corruption was rampant. Some are in jail, some on bail, and actions are ongoing.' He mentioned that properties worth crores belonging to Kawasi Lakhma and his son have been seized in connection with the liquor scam.
Significance of the Seizure
Gupta emphasized that the seizure of the Congress office in Sukma marks a historic event, stating, 'This might be the first instance in Indian history where a political party's office has been confiscated, as it was built on the foundations of corruption.' Sources indicate that the seized properties include those belonging to Lakhma, his son Harish Lakhma, and the Congress office building in Sukma. Lakhma, who has served as an MLA from the Konta constituency six times, has been imprisoned in Raipur's central jail since his arrest by the ED in January this year. The central agency had conducted raids on Lakhma's properties in Raipur, Sukma, and Dhamtari districts in December 2024. The ED has reported that the Chhattisgarh liquor scam has caused significant losses to the state's treasury.