<p>The Enforcement Directorate on Friday arrested Chaitanya Baghel, the son of former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, in connection with the alleged&nbsp;multi-crore liquor scam in the state. The arrest came hours after the agency raided his house in the state over alleged money&nbsp;laundering and irregularities linked to the multi-crore scam.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Reacting to ED's raids, Bhupesh Baghel blamed whom he called "saheb". "ED has arrived. Today is the last day of the Assembly session. The issue of trees being cut in Tamnar for Adani was supposed to be raised today. Saheb has sent the ED to the Bhilai residence," he wrote on X.</p><h2>Why was Chaitanya Baghel arrested?</h2><p>In March this year, the Enforcement Directorate recovered Rs 30 lakh from the house of Bhupesh Baghel and his son Chaitanya. The raid was part of a day-long search operation under which 14 locations across Chhattisgarh were raided in the case linked to the&nbsp;alleged irregularities in the liquor trade in Chhattisgarh.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>ED had claimed that Chaitanya Baghel was also a recipient of&nbsp;proceeds of crime generated from the liquor scam, “wherein total proceeds of crime is around Rs 2,161 crores siphoned off through various schemes.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Bhupesh Bhagel's&nbsp;office had said that a false case was underway.</p><h2>What are ED's allegations?</h2><p>The Enforcement Directorate has alleged that a cartel involving officials, politicians, and liquor businessmen illegally generated Rs 2161 crore between 2019 and 2022, through a fraudulent scheme. The agency claims that the cartel controlled the supply chain of liquor in the state, allowing its sale outside the legal system.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The probe was launched on the basis of an Income Tax Department report flagging irregularities in the liquor trade in the state. Earlier,&nbsp;ED had arrested several key accused, including IAS officer Anil Tuteja and liquor businessman Anwar Dhebar, brother of Raipur's mayor. The agency also claims that a portion of the&nbsp;liquor sold had not been accounted for in official records.</p>

The Enforcement Directorate on Friday arrested Chaitanya Baghel, the son of former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, in connection with the alleged multi-crore liquor scam in the state.

The Enforcement Directorate on Friday arrested Chaitanya Baghel, the son of former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, in connection with the alleged multi-crore liquor scam in the state. The arrest came hours after the agency raided his house in the state over alleged money laundering and irregularities linked to the multi-crore scam. Reacting to ED's raids, Bhupesh Baghel blamed whom he called "saheb". "ED has arrived. Today is the last day of the Assembly session. The issue of trees being cut in Tamnar for Adani was supposed to be raised today. Saheb has sent the ED to the Bhilai residence," he wrote on X. Why was Chaitanya Baghel arrested? In March this year, the Enforcement Directorate recovered Rs 30 lakh from the house of Bhupesh Baghel and his son Chaitanya. The raid was part of a day-long search operation under which 14 locations across Chhattisgarh were raided in the case linked to the alleged irregularities in the liquor trade in Chhattisgarh. ED had claimed that Chaitanya Baghel was also a recipient of proceeds of crime generated from the liquor scam, “wherein total proceeds of crime is around Rs 2,161 crores siphoned off through various schemes.” Bhupesh Bhagel's office had said that a false case was underway. What are ED's allegations? The Enforcement Directorate has alleged that a cartel involving officials, politicians, and liquor businessmen illegally generated Rs 2161 crore between 2019 and 2022, through a fraudulent scheme. The agency claims that the cartel controlled the supply chain of liquor in the state, allowing its sale outside the legal system. The probe was launched on the basis of an Income Tax Department report flagging irregularities in the liquor trade in the state. Earlier, ED had arrested several key accused, including IAS officer Anil Tuteja and liquor businessman Anwar Dhebar, brother of Raipur's mayor. The agency also claims that a portion of the liquor sold had not been accounted for in official records.

<p>Chaitanya Baghel arrested: The arrest came hours after the agency raided his house in the state over alleged money&nbsp;laundering and irregularities linked to the multi-crore scam.</p>

Why did Enforcement Directorate arrest Chaitanya Baghel? Case explained

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<p><strong>Chattisgarh Assembly Elections 2023:&nbsp;</strong>Voting for the first phase of Assembly polls commenced in Chattisgarh on Tuesday (Nov 7).</p>

<p>Here's everything you need to know about the first phase of Chattisgarh Assembly polls.</p>

<h2><strong>Number of Seats, Candidates &amp; Voters</strong></h2>

<p>Chattisgarh is a relatively young state. It has seen only four Assembly elections, the first held in 2003.</p>

<p>There are 90 seats in the Chattisgarh Assembly. Out of these, 20 constituencies will vote on Tuesday (Nov 7). The first phase of voting will decide the fate of 223 candidates. The Election Commission of India has set 5304 polling booths for the first phase, expecting a voter turnout of 40,78,681 voters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The state has 29 constituencies reserved for Scheduled Tribes and 10 for Scheduled Castes.</p>

<p>The first phase of voting will also occur in two slots. Between 7 am and 3 pm, voters in Mohla-Manpur, Antagarh, Bhanupratappur, Kanker, Keshkal, Kondagaon, Narayanpur, Dantewada, Bijapur and Konta will cast their vote. Meanwhile, between 8 am and 5 pm, voting will take place in Khairagarh, Dongargarh, Rajnandgaon, Dongargaon, Khujji, Pandariya and Kawardha Bastar, Jagdalpur and Chitrakot.</p>

<h2><strong>History of Chattisgarh Assembly elections</strong></h2>

<p>The fight in all four elections was always between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (INC). Parties like the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Janta Congress Chhattisgarh have won one to three seats in the last four Chattisgarh Assembly elections.</p>

<p>From 2003 to 2018, the BJP dominated the Assembly election results. However, INC won the election with an overwhelming margin in 2018, securing 71 seats against 13 for the BJP. The previously narrowing victory margins widened from 0.74 per cent in 2014 to 10 per cent in 2018. This gap also showed in the vote shares of the BJP and INC. In 2003, the vote shares of both parties were very near to each other. However, in 2018, the gap between the vote shares of BJP and INC broadened by 11 per cent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Currently, Chattisgarh is being governed by the Congress party, with Bhupesh Baghel serving as the Chief Minister.</p>

<h2><strong>Women in Chattisgarh Assembly elections</strong></h2>

<p>A total of 25 women candidates have participated in the first phase of Chattisgarh Assembly elections. In 2018, there were 13 women winners compared to 5 in 2003, 10 in 2008 and 2013. Although the proportion of women candidates has plunged since 2008, the number of women candidates winning has increased.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Chattisgarh Assembly Elections 2023: Voting for the first phase of Assembly polls commenced in Chattisgarh on Tuesday (Nov 7). Here's everything you need to know about the first phase of Chattisgarh Assembly polls.

Chattisgarh Assembly Elections 2023: Voting for the first phase of Assembly polls commenced in Chattisgarh on Tuesday (Nov 7). Here's everything you need to know about the first phase of Chattisgarh Assembly polls. Number of Seats, Candidates & Voters Chattisgarh is a relatively young state. It has seen only four Assembly elections, the first held in 2003. There are 90 seats in the Chattisgarh Assembly. Out of these, 20 constituencies will vote on Tuesday (Nov 7). The first phase of voting will decide the fate of 223 candidates. The Election Commission of India has set 5304 polling booths for the first phase, expecting a voter turnout of 40,78,681 voters. The state has 29 constituencies reserved for Scheduled Tribes and 10 for Scheduled Castes. The first phase of voting will also occur in two slots. Between 7 am and 3 pm, voters in Mohla-Manpur, Antagarh, Bhanupratappur, Kanker, Keshkal, Kondagaon, Narayanpur, Dantewada, Bijapur and Konta will cast their vote. Meanwhile, between 8 am and 5 pm, voting will take place in Khairagarh, Dongargarh, Rajnandgaon, Dongargaon, Khujji, Pandariya and Kawardha Bastar, Jagdalpur and Chitrakot. History of Chattisgarh Assembly elections The fight in all four elections was always between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (INC). Parties like the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Janta Congress Chhattisgarh have won one to three seats in the last four Chattisgarh Assembly elections. From 2003 to 2018, the BJP dominated the Assembly election results. However, INC won the election with an overwhelming margin in 2018, securing 71 seats against 13 for the BJP. The previously narrowing victory margins widened from 0.74 per cent in 2014 to 10 per cent in 2018. This gap also showed in the vote shares of the BJP and INC. In 2003, the vote shares of both parties were very near to each other. However, in 2018, the gap between the vote shares of BJP and INC broadened by 11 per cent. Currently, Chattisgarh is being governed by the Congress party, with Bhupesh Baghel serving as the Chief Minister. Women in Chattisgarh Assembly elections A total of 25 women candidates have participated in the first phase of Chattisgarh Assembly elections. In 2018, there were 13 women winners compared to 5 in 2003, 10 in 2008 and 2013. Although the proportion of women candidates has plunged since 2008, the number of women candidates winning has increased. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Chattisgarh Assembly Elections 2023: Check number of seats, candidates, constituencies, past winners and more

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (Nov 4) slammed the Congress party, alleging that it has never left any opportunity to loot the people of Chhattisgarh. PM Modi's verbal attack came after Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel was named in the alleged betting app deal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While speaking at a rally in Durg, the prime minister asked for answers from the Congress party, stating that it must respond to what links it has with people in Dubai who were accused of the scam.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, "Congress party's Chhattisgarh government has left no opportunity to loot you. They did not leave even the name of 'Mahadev'."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Two days back, a big operation took place in Raipur. A huge cache of currency notes was found. People say that the money belongs to gamblers and the placing bets... Congress leaders are filling their houses with this looted money. You can see in media reports that to whom its links go back to," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian prime minister said, "State government and the CM should tell the people of Chhattisgarh what links they have with the people sitting in Dubai who are accused of this scam."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-holds-telephonic-conversation-with-uae-president-over-ongoing-situation-in-west-asia-654882">PM Modi holds telephonic conversation with UAE President over ongoing situation in West Asia</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>He claimed that in the aftermath of the money being seized, the chief minister is baffled and has come to the ground. "I have heard that local leaders are sending us a message that money will be planted on our leaders and Police will be sent," the PM said.</p>

<p>Vowing to take strict action, PM Modi asserted that agencies would probe all scams in the state. He said, "Action will indeed be taken against those who looted Chhattisgarh. Account for every penny will be taken from them. Chhattisgarh's corrupt government has broken your trust with one scam after the other."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Liquor scam of Rs 2000 crore, Cement scam of Rs 500 crore, Rice scam of Rs 5 thousand crore, Gauthan scam of Rs 1,300 crore, DMF scam of Rs 700 crore. Congress has not left any opportunity to loot Chhattisgarh. But I assure you that after the BJP government assumes office in the state, such scams will be strictly investigated and those who loot your money will be sent to jail," the PM further said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"PSC and Mahadev App scam are already in the news, there is no dearth of scams in the report card of the Congress government," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi also alleged that the priority of Congress is to distribute jobs to the leaders' kin and to exclude the public from jobs.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-pm-modi-uk-counterpart-discusses-israel-hamas-war-progress-on-fta-654947">Indian PM Modi, UK counterpart Rishi Sunak discuss Israel-Hamas war, progress on FTA</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Parties Move to Pacify Rebels Ahead of Key State Assembly Polls | India State Assembly Polls&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Baghel hits back. What is the case all about?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Baghel hit back at the BJP questioning and asked why the Central government had not banned the Mahadev betting app till now.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Enforcement Directorate claimed that the Chief Minister of the poll-bound state allegedly paid Rs 508 crore (around $60 million) to Mahadev app promoters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ED on Friday said that they have intercepted a cash courier Asim Das who was sent from UAE especially, to deliver a large amount of cash for electioneering expenses of the ruling Congress party in Chhattisgarh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The central agency added that the arrested person, Asim Das, confessed that Rs 508 crore has been so far paid to the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister by Mahadev APP Promoters.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (Nov 4) slammed the Congress party, alleging that it has never left any opportunity to loot the people of Chhattisgarh. PM Modi's verbal attack came after Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel was named in the alleged betting app deal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (Nov 4) slammed the Congress party, alleging that it has never left any opportunity to loot the people of Chhattisgarh. PM Modi's verbal attack came after Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel was named in the alleged betting app deal. While speaking at a rally in Durg, the prime minister asked for answers from the Congress party, stating that it must respond to what links it has with people in Dubai who were accused of the scam. He said, "Congress party's Chhattisgarh government has left no opportunity to loot you. They did not leave even the name of 'Mahadev'." "Two days back, a big operation took place in Raipur. A huge cache of currency notes was found. People say that the money belongs to gamblers and the placing bets... Congress leaders are filling their houses with this looted money. You can see in media reports that to whom its links go back to," he added. The Indian prime minister said, "State government and the CM should tell the people of Chhattisgarh what links they have with the people sitting in Dubai who are accused of this scam." Also read: PM Modi holds telephonic conversation with UAE President over ongoing situation in West Asia He claimed that in the aftermath of the money being seized, the chief minister is baffled and has come to the ground. "I have heard that local leaders are sending us a message that money will be planted on our leaders and Police will be sent," the PM said. Vowing to take strict action, PM Modi asserted that agencies would probe all scams in the state. He said, "Action will indeed be taken against those who looted Chhattisgarh. Account for every penny will be taken from them. Chhattisgarh's corrupt government has broken your trust with one scam after the other." "Liquor scam of Rs 2000 crore, Cement scam of Rs 500 crore, Rice scam of Rs 5 thousand crore, Gauthan scam of Rs 1,300 crore, DMF scam of Rs 700 crore. Congress has not left any opportunity to loot Chhattisgarh. But I assure you that after the BJP government assumes office in the state, such scams will be strictly investigated and those who loot your money will be sent to jail," the PM further said. "PSC and Mahadev App scam are already in the news, there is no dearth of scams in the report card of the Congress government," he added. PM Modi also alleged that the priority of Congress is to distribute jobs to the leaders' kin and to exclude the public from jobs. Also read: Indian PM Modi, UK counterpart Rishi Sunak discuss Israel-Hamas war, progress on FTA Watch: Parties Move to Pacify Rebels Ahead of Key State Assembly Polls | India State Assembly Polls × Baghel hits back. What is the case all about? Baghel hit back at the BJP questioning and asked why the Central government had not banned the Mahadev betting app till now. The Enforcement Directorate claimed that the Chief Minister of the poll-bound state allegedly paid Rs 508 crore (around $60 million) to Mahadev app promoters. ED on Friday said that they have intercepted a cash courier Asim Das who was sent from UAE especially, to deliver a large amount of cash for electioneering expenses of the ruling Congress party in Chhattisgarh. The central agency added that the arrested person, Asim Das, confessed that Rs 508 crore has been so far paid to the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister by Mahadev APP Promoters. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi launches scathing attack on Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel after ED links him to betting app deal

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chhattisgarh-cm-calls-for-action-against-managers-operators-of-unregulated-chit-fund-companies-264185">Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel</a> on Saturday reiterated his opposition to the National Register of Citizens (NRC), saying its nationwide rollout will hit Adivasis hard.</p>

<p>"NRC is being talked about everywhere...It will harm Adivasis most," the Chief Minister told a gathering here.</p>

<p>"My mother, who passed away recently, didn't know her exact date of birth. She never celebrated her birthday. When my mother did not have documents depicting her real birth details, how can I produce mine?" he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Baghel said that he will oppose pan-India <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/detention-centres-have-nothing-to-do-with-nrc-amit-shah-270076">NRC rollout</a> even as the government maintains that there has been no discussion on the same.</p>

<p>Baghel's comments come days after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/caa-row-muslim-leaders-clerics-to-meet-pm-modi-amit-shah-270594">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> said that pan-India NRC implementation was never discussed by his government.</p>

<p>"I want to tell the 130 crore people of India that ever since my government came to power in 2014... from then until now... there has been no discussion on NRC anywhere... we only had to implement it in Assam to follow Supreme Court directives," Modi told a gathering in New Delhi earlier this week.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/detention-centres-have-nothing-to-do-with-nrc-amit-shah-270076">Home Minister Amit Shah</a>, who had on several occasions vowed to implement the NRC, echoed the Prime Minister's views.</p>

<p>"There is no need to debate this (pan-India NRC) as there is no discussion on it right now. PM Modi was right and there is no discussion on it yet either in the Cabinet or Parliament," he told ANI.</p>

<p>NRC seeks to identify illegal immigrants in the country. It was rolled out in Assam on the directions of the Supreme Court where 19 lakh people were excluded in the final list.</p>


Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday reiterated his opposition to the National Register of Citizens (NRC), saying its nationwide rollout will hit Adivasis hard.

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday reiterated his opposition to the National Register of Citizens (NRC), saying its nationwide rollout will hit Adivasis hard. "NRC is being talked about everywhere...It will harm Adivasis most," the Chief Minister told a gathering here. "My mother, who passed away recently, didn't know her exact date of birth. She never celebrated her birthday. When my mother did not have documents depicting her real birth details, how can I produce mine?" he said. Baghel said that he will oppose pan-India NRC rollout even as the government maintains that there has been no discussion on the same. Baghel's comments come days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that pan-India NRC implementation was never discussed by his government. "I want to tell the 130 crore people of India that ever since my government came to power in 2014... from then until now... there has been no discussion on NRC anywhere... we only had to implement it in Assam to follow Supreme Court directives," Modi told a gathering in New Delhi earlier this week. Home Minister Amit Shah, who had on several occasions vowed to implement the NRC, echoed the Prime Minister's views. "There is no need to debate this (pan-India NRC) as there is no discussion on it right now. PM Modi was right and there is no discussion on it yet either in the Cabinet or Parliament," he told ANI. NRC seeks to identify illegal immigrants in the country. It was rolled out in Assam on the directions of the Supreme Court where 19 lakh people were excluded in the final list.

Pan-India NRC will hit Adivasis hard, says Chhattisgarh Chief Minister

<p>The Law and Legislative Affairs Department has written a letter to district magistrates of the eight districts to withdraw cases registered by the police against residents belonging to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jharkhand-assembly-election-2019-voting-for-third-phase-begins-267763">Schedule Tribes</a> in Naxal-affected areas of the state.</p>

<p>The department asked the district magistrates to take "immediate" action to withdraw the cases under the provisions of Section 321 of the Criminal Procedure Code.</p>

<p>The move comes after Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-engineer-wife-among-18-indians-kidnapped-by-nigerian-pirates-266832">Bhupesh Baghel</a>-led state government constituted a seven-member review committee, on March 8, 2019, to review the cases while expressing deep concern over the harassment of scheduled tribe residents and villagers of Naxal-affected areas of the state, especially in Bastar region.</p>

<p>According to official records, 115 cases were registered in Jagdalpur, 7 in Dantewada, 8 in Kondagaon, 3 in Bijapur, 3 in Sukuma, 34 in Kanker and 1 in Narayanpur.</p>

<p>The Committee under the chairmanship of Supreme Court Justice<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/what-happened-at-the-cwc-meeting-the-inside-story-221561"> AK Patnaik</a>&nbsp;recommended withdrawing cases following which the Law and Legislative Affairs Department has decided to withdraw the prosecution.</p>

<p>As per the decision taken in the first meeting of the Committee on April 24 and October 2 and October 30, the matter was sent to the Law Department recommending the return of 313 cases registered under the Chhattisgarh Excise Act.</p>

<p>Other 312 cases of Indian penal code have been sent by the Patnayak committee to a committee constituted by the Director-General of Police DM Awasthi, which is under Section 265A, 265B and 321 CRPC which shall submit its report to the Patnaik Committee.</p>


The Law and Legislative Affairs Department has written a letter to district magistrates of the eight districts to withdraw cases registered by the police against residents belonging to Schedule Tribes in Naxal-affected areas of the state.

The Law and Legislative Affairs Department has written a letter to district magistrates of the eight districts to withdraw cases registered by the police against residents belonging to Schedule Tribes in Naxal-affected areas of the state. The department asked the district magistrates to take "immediate" action to withdraw the cases under the provisions of Section 321 of the Criminal Procedure Code. The move comes after Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel-led state government constituted a seven-member review committee, on March 8, 2019, to review the cases while expressing deep concern over the harassment of scheduled tribe residents and villagers of Naxal-affected areas of the state, especially in Bastar region. According to official records, 115 cases were registered in Jagdalpur, 7 in Dantewada, 8 in Kondagaon, 3 in Bijapur, 3 in Sukuma, 34 in Kanker and 1 in Narayanpur. The Committee under the chairmanship of Supreme Court Justice AK Patnaik recommended withdrawing cases following which the Law and Legislative Affairs Department has decided to withdraw the prosecution. As per the decision taken in the first meeting of the Committee on April 24 and October 2 and October 30, the matter was sent to the Law Department recommending the return of 313 cases registered under the Chhattisgarh Excise Act. Other 312 cases of Indian penal code have been sent by the Patnayak committee to a committee constituted by the Director-General of Police DM Awasthi, which is under Section 265A, 265B and 321 CRPC which shall submit its report to the Patnaik Committee.

Chhattisgarh: Law department directs administration to withdraw cases against Scheduled Tribes in Naxal-affected areas

<p>Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday gave directions to conduct a proper investigation and take appropriate actions against the managers and operators of the unregulated financial chit fund companies.</p>

<p>In the cabinet meeting held on Saturday under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister, the cases registered against irregular financial (chit fund) companies were reviewed and the officials have been instructed to take swift action on the recorded allegations.</p>

<p>"Proper investigation is being conducted against unregulated financial (chit fund) companies in the state with the registration of 403 cases. With reference to the case registered in the Bilaspur Civil Lines, a total sum of Rs. 2 lakh 80 thousand has been returned," informed a government release.</p>

<p>"With reference to the information received, in the cases filed since year 2015 till October 2019, 248 cases come under the Protection of Interests of Chhattisgarh Depositors Act 2005 and Rules 2005, 65 falls under the Prize Chit and Money Operating Scheme Restriction Act 1978 and 90 cases fall under the section of Indian Penal Code," it read.</p>

<p>These registered cases include 379 cases against the director and 148 cases against the office-bearers. For the refund process, the property is being identified in a total of 154 cases and attachment action is being taken in these cases.</p>

<p>According to figures, 3 lakh 65 thousand 570 people have been cheated in the total 403 cases registered since 2015 till October 2019, in which approximately 12 billion 59 crores 83 lakh 39 thousand 436 rupees has been cheated from the people.&nbsp;</p>


Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday gave directions to conduct a proper investigation and take appropriate actions against the managers and operators of the unregulated financial chit fund companies.

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday gave directions to conduct a proper investigation and take appropriate actions against the managers and operators of the unregulated financial chit fund companies. In the cabinet meeting held on Saturday under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister, the cases registered against irregular financial (chit fund) companies were reviewed and the officials have been instructed to take swift action on the recorded allegations. "Proper investigation is being conducted against unregulated financial (chit fund) companies in the state with the registration of 403 cases. With reference to the case registered in the Bilaspur Civil Lines, a total sum of Rs. 2 lakh 80 thousand has been returned," informed a government release. "With reference to the information received, in the cases filed since year 2015 till October 2019, 248 cases come under the Protection of Interests of Chhattisgarh Depositors Act 2005 and Rules 2005, 65 falls under the Prize Chit and Money Operating Scheme Restriction Act 1978 and 90 cases fall under the section of Indian Penal Code," it read. These registered cases include 379 cases against the director and 148 cases against the office-bearers. For the refund process, the property is being identified in a total of 154 cases and attachment action is being taken in these cases. According to figures, 3 lakh 65 thousand 570 people have been cheated in the total 403 cases registered since 2015 till October 2019, in which approximately 12 billion 59 crores 83 lakh 39 thousand 436 rupees has been cheated from the people.

Chhattisgarh CM calls for action against managers, operators of unregulated chit fund companies

India bids farewell to Sheila Dikshit, thousands mourn her loss

<p>Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel exuded confidence over Congress'&nbsp;victory in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections claiming that the country is in the mood of change, hence, certainly the Congress'&nbsp;government will be formed after May 23.</p>

<p>When asked that how confident he is over Congress'&nbsp;victory in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, Baghel told reporters, "The atmosphere in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and other states is good towards the Congress. The BJP is very behind. The country is in the mood of change, certainly, the Congress government will be formed."</p>

<p>On being asked to respond on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent remarks on late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi during a public rally, he said, "Look at the statement given by Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur (BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Bhopal), Prime Minister's remark about Rajiv ji, it is clear to everyone that such statements are in support of terrorism. The Prime Minister should take care of his dignity and post as we did not expect such comments by him."</p>

<p>Referring to the 1999 plane hijack which led to the release of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar to Kandahar, the Chief Minister also accused the BJP of having links with the terrorists and Naxals.</p>

<p>Questioning why till date no investigation was initiated in the ghastly Pulwama terror attack by JeM which claimed lives of 40 CRPF personnel on February 14, he said, "Masood Azhar was sent to Pakistan by BJP. What is the relation between them? They (BJP) have relations with terrorists and Naxals...The probe in the Pulwama terror attack did not start till date. When the terror attack took place, why Prime Minister Narendra Modi was doing a photo shoot?"</p>

<p>Talking about the policy to tackle with the Naxals issue, the Chief Minister said after the completion of the ongoing general elections, he will interact with the central government and other Naxal-affected states to form a policy regarding the problem.</p>

<p>"Naxalism is not only in Chhattisgarh but in other states as well. It is necessary to work in a collective way to prevent this. After the Model Code of Conduct, we will also interact with the Centre and other states to form a policy to tackle with the Naxal issue," Baghel said.&nbsp;</p>


Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel exuded confidence over Congress' victory in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections claiming that the country is in the mood of change, hence, certainly the Congress' government will be formed after May 23.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel exuded confidence over Congress' victory in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections claiming that the country is in the mood of change, hence, certainly the Congress' government will be formed after May 23. When asked that how confident he is over Congress' victory in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, Baghel told reporters, "The atmosphere in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and other states is good towards the Congress. The BJP is very behind. The country is in the mood of change, certainly, the Congress government will be formed." On being asked to respond on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent remarks on late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi during a public rally, he said, "Look at the statement given by Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur (BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Bhopal), Prime Minister's remark about Rajiv ji, it is clear to everyone that such statements are in support of terrorism. The Prime Minister should take care of his dignity and post as we did not expect such comments by him." Referring to the 1999 plane hijack which led to the release of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar to Kandahar, the Chief Minister also accused the BJP of having links with the terrorists and Naxals. Questioning why till date no investigation was initiated in the ghastly Pulwama terror attack by JeM which claimed lives of 40 CRPF personnel on February 14, he said, "Masood Azhar was sent to Pakistan by BJP. What is the relation between them? They (BJP) have relations with terrorists and Naxals...The probe in the Pulwama terror attack did not start till date. When the terror attack took place, why Prime Minister Narendra Modi was doing a photo shoot?" Talking about the policy to tackle with the Naxals issue, the Chief Minister said after the completion of the ongoing general elections, he will interact with the central government and other Naxal-affected states to form a policy regarding the problem. "Naxalism is not only in Chhattisgarh but in other states as well. It is necessary to work in a collective way to prevent this. After the Model Code of Conduct, we will also interact with the Centre and other states to form a policy to tackle with the Naxal issue," Baghel said.

'Country in mood of change,' says Chhattisgarh CM exuding confidence over Congress' victory

<p>Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel told the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly Thursday that his government will address the issues of Naxal menace and imposition of liquor ban by taking people into confidence.</p>

<p>Replying to the debate on the motion of thanks on the Governor's address, Baghel said his government was working to bring about a change, and not for exacting revenge.</p>

<p>"The state government will work to add colour to the lives of people from every section of society. We are working to bring change, not for revenge.</p>

<p>"Our government will work for solving the Naxal problem and (imposing) liquor ban while taking people into confidence," Baghel said.</p>

<p>To eliminate the Naxal problem, the Congress government will hold talks with affected people including villagers alongwith intellectuals and journalists, he said.</p>

<p>Liquor is a social evil, but to get rid of it, society too has to come forward alongwith the government, Baghel said.</p>

<p>"We will not take any step on both anti-Naxal action and liquor ban without taking people into confidence," he added.</p>

<p>Within 20-25 days of coming to power, the Congress government has taken several decisions to fulfil its poll promises, he asserted.</p>

<p>The government waived loans worth Rs 6,100 crore of 16,50,000 farmers, decided to purchase paddy at Rs 2,500 per quintal and increased the stipend of tendu leaves collectors from Rs 2,500 to Rs 4,000 per sack, he said.</p>

<p>It also decided to form a new committee to study prospects for a liquor ban in the state, he added.</p>

<p>The working of district mineral funds (DMF) will be reviewed while over 300 cases against chit fund company agents will be withdrawn, the chief minister assured.</p>

<p>At the same time, the investors who lost money to chit fund scams will get their hard-earned money back, Baghel stressed.</p>

<p>The state government ordered return of 4,400 acres of land, acquired for a Tata Steel Plant project, to 1,700 farmers in Lohandiguda area of Bastar district, he said.</p>

<p>Earlier, Leader of Opposition Dharamlal Kaushik said the Congress government won the election by making false promises.<br />
Its stand on Naxal menace, which the BJP government had successfully&nbsp;<br />
contained, is not clear, Kaushik alleged.</p>

<p>After the discussion, the motion was passed with a voice vote. After the completion of the listed business, the House was adjourned till February 8.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel told the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly Thursday that his government will address the issues of Naxal menace and imposition of liquor ban by taking people into confidence.

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel told the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly Thursday that his government will address the issues of Naxal menace and imposition of liquor ban by taking people into confidence. Replying to the debate on the motion of thanks on the Governor's address, Baghel said his government was working to bring about a change, and not for exacting revenge. "The state government will work to add colour to the lives of people from every section of society. We are working to bring change, not for revenge. "Our government will work for solving the Naxal problem and (imposing) liquor ban while taking people into confidence," Baghel said. To eliminate the Naxal problem, the Congress government will hold talks with affected people including villagers alongwith intellectuals and journalists, he said. Liquor is a social evil, but to get rid of it, society too has to come forward alongwith the government, Baghel said. "We will not take any step on both anti-Naxal action and liquor ban without taking people into confidence," he added. Within 20-25 days of coming to power, the Congress government has taken several decisions to fulfil its poll promises, he asserted. The government waived loans worth Rs 6,100 crore of 16,50,000 farmers, decided to purchase paddy at Rs 2,500 per quintal and increased the stipend of tendu leaves collectors from Rs 2,500 to Rs 4,000 per sack, he said. It also decided to form a new committee to study prospects for a liquor ban in the state, he added. The working of district mineral funds (DMF) will be reviewed while over 300 cases against chit fund company agents will be withdrawn, the chief minister assured. At the same time, the investors who lost money to chit fund scams will get their hard-earned money back, Baghel stressed. The state government ordered return of 4,400 acres of land, acquired for a Tata Steel Plant project, to 1,700 farmers in Lohandiguda area of Bastar district, he said. Earlier, Leader of Opposition Dharamlal Kaushik said the Congress government won the election by making false promises. Its stand on Naxal menace, which the BJP government had successfully contained, is not clear, Kaushik alleged. After the discussion, the motion was passed with a voice vote. After the completion of the listed business, the House was adjourned till February 8.

Will deal with Naxals by taking locals in confidence: Bhupesh Baghel

<p>Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Tuesday conducted the first expansion of his Cabinet; 9 MLAs took oath as ministers, including a woman legislator, news agency PTI reported.</p>

<p>As per reports, Chhattisgarh Governor Anandiben Patel administered the oath to new state cabinet ministers in Raipur.</p>

<p>Among the ministers sworn in included Mohammed Akbar, Umesh Patel, Anila Bhediya and Ravindra Chaubey.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chhattisgarh Governor Anandiben Patel administered oath to new state cabinet ministers in Raipur. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chhattisgarh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chhattisgarh</a> <a href="https://t.co/kjM2Hcf0fU">pic.twitter.com/kjM2Hcf0fU</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1077451429013422081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Bhagel has ordered officials to bring a proposal in the cabinet to return land which was acquired from tribal farmers in Bastar for a Tata Steel project.</p>

<p>Baghel took oath as Chhattisgarh chief minister on December 17, after the Congress won the state assembly election with a thumping majority.</p>

<p>Two other Congress legislators, T S Singh Deo and Tamradhwaj Sahu, were also sworn in as ministers that day.</p>

<p>The Congress returned to power in the state after 15 years, dislodging the Raman Singh-led BJP government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(<em>With inputs from PTI</em>)<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Tuesday conducted the first expansion of his Cabinet; 9 MLAs took oath as ministers, including a woman legislator, news agency PTI reported.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Tuesday conducted the first expansion of his Cabinet; 9 MLAs took oath as ministers, including a woman legislator, news agency PTI reported. As per reports, Chhattisgarh Governor Anandiben Patel administered the oath to new state cabinet ministers in Raipur. Among the ministers sworn in included Mohammed Akbar, Umesh Patel, Anila Bhediya and Ravindra Chaubey. Chhattisgarh Governor Anandiben Patel administered oath to new state cabinet ministers in Raipur. #Chhattisgarh pic.twitter.com/kjM2Hcf0fU — ANI (@ANI) December 25, 2018 × Bhagel has ordered officials to bring a proposal in the cabinet to return land which was acquired from tribal farmers in Bastar for a Tata Steel project. Baghel took oath as Chhattisgarh chief minister on December 17, after the Congress won the state assembly election with a thumping majority. Two other Congress legislators, T S Singh Deo and Tamradhwaj Sahu, were also sworn in as ministers that day. The Congress returned to power in the state after 15 years, dislodging the Raman Singh-led BJP government. (With inputs from PTI)

Chhattisgarh: CM Baghel conducts first cabinet expansion, 9 MLAs take oath  

<p>Senior Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel was sworn in as Chhattisgarh chief minister on Monday.</p>

<p>Baghel is Chhattisgarh`s third chief minister and the Congress party's second chief minister in the state. Meanwhile, Congress leaders TS Singh Deo and Tamradhwaj Sahu took oath as ministers in the new cabinet.</p>

<p>Present on the occasion were former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress President Rahul Gandhi, and other Congress leaders like Mallikarjun Kharge, former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Motilal Vora, PL Punia, National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah, Sharad Yadav of Loktantrik Janata Dal party, Babulal Marandi, Rajbabbar, Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot, among others.</p>

<p>Shortly after the ceremony, Baghel said that the decision to waive farm loans has been taken.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel: Congress President Rahul Gandhi had announced that farm loans will be waived within 10 days and that Minimum Support Price (MSP) for maize will be increased to Rs 2500 from Rs 1700 per quintal. These two decisions have been taken today," Baghel told media.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Raipur: Bhupesh Baghel takes oath as the next Chief Minister of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chhattisgarh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chhattisgarh</a> <a href="https://t.co/YMOnKaOf92">pic.twitter.com/YMOnKaOf92</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1074649812191076358?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Baghel is a Kurmi leader who represents Patan Assembly constituency in Durg district. He has been the president of Chhattisgarh Congress since 2014.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, the venue of Baghel's oath-taking ceremony was changed due to rainfall. The venue has been changed from Science College ground to Balbir Singh Juneja Indoor Stadium in Raipur, news agency ANI reported.</p>

<p>Bhupesh Baghel has served as Congress party chief for Chattisgarh and is also an MLA from Patan, he is credited for bringing the party back to power after 15 years in oblivion.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chhattisgarh CM: Our third decision is related to Jhiram Ghati. Total 29 people including prominent leaders like Nand Kumar Patel were killed. Conspirators haven't been exposed. No such massacre of politicians ever took place in history. To nab the culprits, a SIT has been formed <a href="https://t.co/Qj4wCCyJUP">pic.twitter.com/Qj4wCCyJUP</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1074708605310509056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Apart from Baghel, TS Singh Deo, Tamradhwaj Sahu and Charan Das Mahant were the top contenders for the post.</p>

<p>After mulling over various options for the past four days, Rahul Gandhi led Congress decided on Baghel, said sources. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, earlier in the day, senior Congress leaders <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kamal-nath-sworn-in-as-madhya-pradesh-chief-minister-184795">Kamal Nath</a> and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ashok-gehlot-takes-oath-as-12th-rajasthan-chief-minister-at-jaipurs-historic-albert-hall-184717">Ashok Gehlot</a> were sworn in as the chief ministers of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan respectively.&nbsp;</p>


Senior Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel was sworn in as Chhattisgarh chief minister on Monday. Baghel is Chhattisgarh`s third chief minister and the Congress party's second chief minister in the state.

Senior Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel was sworn in as Chhattisgarh chief minister on Monday. Baghel is Chhattisgarh`s third chief minister and the Congress party's second chief minister in the state. Meanwhile, Congress leaders TS Singh Deo and Tamradhwaj Sahu took oath as ministers in the new cabinet. Present on the occasion were former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress President Rahul Gandhi, and other Congress leaders like Mallikarjun Kharge, former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Motilal Vora, PL Punia, National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah, Sharad Yadav of Loktantrik Janata Dal party, Babulal Marandi, Rajbabbar, Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot, among others. Shortly after the ceremony, Baghel said that the decision to waive farm loans has been taken. "Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel: Congress President Rahul Gandhi had announced that farm loans will be waived within 10 days and that Minimum Support Price (MSP) for maize will be increased to Rs 2500 from Rs 1700 per quintal. These two decisions have been taken today," Baghel told media. Raipur: Bhupesh Baghel takes oath as the next Chief Minister of #Chhattisgarh pic.twitter.com/YMOnKaOf92 — ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2018 × Baghel is a Kurmi leader who represents Patan Assembly constituency in Durg district. He has been the president of Chhattisgarh Congress since 2014. Earlier in the day, the venue of Baghel's oath-taking ceremony was changed due to rainfall. The venue has been changed from Science College ground to Balbir Singh Juneja Indoor Stadium in Raipur, news agency ANI reported. Bhupesh Baghel has served as Congress party chief for Chattisgarh and is also an MLA from Patan, he is credited for bringing the party back to power after 15 years in oblivion. Chhattisgarh CM: Our third decision is related to Jhiram Ghati. Total 29 people including prominent leaders like Nand Kumar Patel were killed. Conspirators haven't been exposed. No such massacre of politicians ever took place in history. To nab the culprits, a SIT has been formed pic.twitter.com/Qj4wCCyJUP — ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2018 × Apart from Baghel, TS Singh Deo, Tamradhwaj Sahu and Charan Das Mahant were the top contenders for the post. After mulling over various options for the past four days, Rahul Gandhi led Congress decided on Baghel, said sources. Meanwhile, earlier in the day, senior Congress leaders Kamal Nath and Ashok Gehlot were sworn in as the chief ministers of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan respectively.

Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel follows Kamal Nath's lead, waives farm loans

<p>Senior Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel will be the new Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh. The decision was announced at the meeting of the Congress Legislature Party on Sunday.</p>

<p>Bhupesh Baghel is Congress party chief for Chattisgarh and also an MLA from Patan, he is credited for bringing the party back to power after 15 years in oblivion.</p>

<p>Apart from Baghel, TS Singh Deo, Tamradhwaj Sahu and Charan Das Mahant were the top contenders for the post.</p>

<p>After mulling over various options for the past four days, Rahul Gandhi led Congress decided on Baghel, said sources.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Gandhi scion held discussions with senior state leaders&nbsp;for the top post&nbsp;in New Delhi.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chhattisgarh Chief Minister designate Bhupesh Baghel with Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and PL Punia in Raipur <a href="https://t.co/Des7A6fhFZ">pic.twitter.com/Des7A6fhFZ</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1074227486521769984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Sources said the process of consultation on who will be the next chief minister of Chhattisgarh was marked by flip-flop throughout the day.</p>

<p><img alt="Congress Legislature Party" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bb6a1779-4a63-4bdb-9f08-9dcf8eee5a46" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/WhatsApp%20Image%202018-12-16%20at%2013.09.54.jpeg" /></p>

<p>Yesterday, the Congress president tweeted a smiling picture of all the four aspirants for the Chhattisgarh CM's post along with a quote by Reid Hoffman.</p>

<p>"No matter how brilliant your mind or strategy, if you're playing a solo game, you'll always lose out to a team. - Reid Hoffman," he tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">No matter how brilliant your mind or strategy, if you’re playing a solo game, you’ll always lose out to a team.<br />
<br />
– Reid Hoffman <a href="https://t.co/TL5rPwiCDX">pic.twitter.com/TL5rPwiCDX</a></p>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1073898465938300928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Congress had romped home to power in Chhattisgarh after 15 years with a two-third majority.</p>

<p>The Congress had on Friday named Ashok Gehlot Rajasthan's next chief minister after several rounds of discussions lasting more than two days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Madhya Pradesh, Congress leader Kamal Nath was announced as chief minister-designate on December 13.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Senior Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel will be the new Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh. The decision was announced at the meeting of the Congress Legislature Party on Sunday.

Senior Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel will be the new Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh. The decision was announced at the meeting of the Congress Legislature Party on Sunday. Bhupesh Baghel is Congress party chief for Chattisgarh and also an MLA from Patan, he is credited for bringing the party back to power after 15 years in oblivion. Apart from Baghel, TS Singh Deo, Tamradhwaj Sahu and Charan Das Mahant were the top contenders for the post. After mulling over various options for the past four days, Rahul Gandhi led Congress decided on Baghel, said sources. The Gandhi scion held discussions with senior state leaders for the top post in New Delhi. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister designate Bhupesh Baghel with Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and PL Punia in Raipur pic.twitter.com/Des7A6fhFZ — ANI (@ANI) December 16, 2018 × Sources said the process of consultation on who will be the next chief minister of Chhattisgarh was marked by flip-flop throughout the day. Yesterday, the Congress president tweeted a smiling picture of all the four aspirants for the Chhattisgarh CM's post along with a quote by Reid Hoffman. "No matter how brilliant your mind or strategy, if you're playing a solo game, you'll always lose out to a team. - Reid Hoffman," he tweeted. No matter how brilliant your mind or strategy, if you’re playing a solo game, you’ll always lose out to a team. – Reid Hoffman pic.twitter.com/TL5rPwiCDX — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 15, 2018 × Congress had romped home to power in Chhattisgarh after 15 years with a two-third majority. The Congress had on Friday named Ashok Gehlot Rajasthan's next chief minister after several rounds of discussions lasting more than two days. In Madhya Pradesh, Congress leader Kamal Nath was announced as chief minister-designate on December 13. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress picks Bhupesh Baghel as chief minister of Chhattisgarh

<p>Chhattisgarh Chief Minister-designate Bhupesh Baghel said Sunday that a loan waiver for farmers will be announced in the first meeting of the new state Cabinet.</p>

<p>Baghel, who will be taking the oath of office Monday afternoon, also said that a Special Investigation Team will be constituted to probe the 2013 Jhiram Valley Naxal attack in which several senior Congress leaders were killed.</p>

<p>"In the first Cabinet meeting, the loan waiver will be announced and an SIT will be constituted to probe the Jhiram valley incident," Baghel told reporters here.</p>

<p>"Promises made by Congress president Rahul Gandhi to farmers will be our first priority. To probe the conspiracy behind the Jhiram valley incident will also be our priority," he said.</p>

<p>"Our focus will be on the welfare of farmers, tribals, youth, women and small traders," he added.</p>

<p>The Congress' manifesto had promised to waive the loans of farmers within 10 days of coming to power.</p>

<p>It had also promised a bonus on paddy procurement and a minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 2,500 per quintal of paddy.</p>

<p>Baghel, a five-time MLA from Patan and the state Congress chief, was named earlier Sunday as the next chief minister at the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting.</p>

<p>He will take oath at 4.30 PM at Science College ground here Monday.</p>

<p>In a Naxal attack in Jhiram Valley in Bastar district on May 25, 2013, almost entire state Congress leadership was wiped out.</p>

<p>State Congress chief Nandkumar Patel and former leader of opposition Mahendra Karma were among those killed.</p>

<p>The Congress had demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the incident.</p>


Chhattisgarh Chief Minister-designate Bhupesh Baghel said Sunday that a loan waiver for farmers will be announced in the first meeting of the new state Cabinet. Baghel, who will be taking the oath of office Monday afternoon, also said that a Special Investigation Team will be constituted to probe the 2013 Jhiram Valley Naxal attack in which several senior Congress leaders were killed.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister-designate Bhupesh Baghel said Sunday that a loan waiver for farmers will be announced in the first meeting of the new state Cabinet. Baghel, who will be taking the oath of office Monday afternoon, also said that a Special Investigation Team will be constituted to probe the 2013 Jhiram Valley Naxal attack in which several senior Congress leaders were killed. "In the first Cabinet meeting, the loan waiver will be announced and an SIT will be constituted to probe the Jhiram valley incident," Baghel told reporters here. "Promises made by Congress president Rahul Gandhi to farmers will be our first priority. To probe the conspiracy behind the Jhiram valley incident will also be our priority," he said. "Our focus will be on the welfare of farmers, tribals, youth, women and small traders," he added. The Congress' manifesto had promised to waive the loans of farmers within 10 days of coming to power. It had also promised a bonus on paddy procurement and a minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 2,500 per quintal of paddy. Baghel, a five-time MLA from Patan and the state Congress chief, was named earlier Sunday as the next chief minister at the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting. He will take oath at 4.30 PM at Science College ground here Monday. In a Naxal attack in Jhiram Valley in Bastar district on May 25, 2013, almost entire state Congress leadership was wiped out. State Congress chief Nandkumar Patel and former leader of opposition Mahendra Karma were among those killed. The Congress had demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the incident.

Loan waiver will be announced in first Cabinet meet: Bhupesh Baghel

<p>The Chhattisgarh government has written a letter to CBI to probe into the &quot;sex CD&quot; row allegedly involving a state minister.</p>

<p>The &quot;sex CD&quot; charges have been put against Chhattisgarh PWD minister Rajesh Munat.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I have written letter to CBI today to investigate the matter: Chhattisgarh CM on Chhattisgarh Min Rajesh Munat&#39;s alleged sex video issue <a href="https://t.co/cFfjxKOvcc">pic.twitter.com/cFfjxKOvcc</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/924543695382179840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The matter of &quot;sex CD&quot; came to light after&nbsp;senior journalist Vinod Verma was arrested by Chhattisgarh police in his home in Ghaziabad.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His arrest was based on a suspected blackmail and extortion related to a sex CD.</p>

<p>Verma had claimed that the Chhattisgarh government was not happy with him because he had a &quot;sex CD of Chhattisgarh PWD minister Rajesh Munot&quot;.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chattisgarh-police-arrests-journalist-vinod-verma-allege-extortion-23005" target="_blank">Also read:&nbsp;Chhattisgarh police arrest journalist Vinod Verma, allege extortion</a></p>

<p>Munot dismissed Verma&#39;s charges calling it &quot;fake&quot; and an attempt to character assassination.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A meeting was held Saturday where the party decided CBI investigation into the matter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>State&#39;s revenue minister Prem Prakash Pandey had said earlier that the CD was fake. Citing a local news channel he added that even the news channel has said that the CD was tampered with.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said that the&nbsp;matter seems to be a &quot;political and criminal conspiracy&quot; and therefore needed a CBI investigation because it was a result of a conspiracy planted by Congress.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Claiming that the state minister cannot influence a CBI probe Pandey&nbsp;also hinted that the&nbsp;PWD Minister Rajesh Munot, allegedly involved in the row, will not step down from his post.</p>

<p>Munot had earlier demanded that the CD be examined for its genuineness and action to be taken against those found involved in the conspiracy.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Had requested CM, BJP State president &amp; national leadership for a high level enquiry into the matter: Chhattisgarh Min Rajesh Munat <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CDRow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CDRow</a> <a href="https://t.co/EQenFGtJT2">pic.twitter.com/EQenFGtJT2</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/924555584501719041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">CBI will now probe as to who is behind the fake CD and who hatched the political conspiracy: Chhattisgarh Minister Rajesh Munat <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CDRow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CDRow</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/924555616504254464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Please check facts before leveling allegations. Assassinating character of a person and making fake CDs is a matter of concern: Rajesh Munat <a href="https://t.co/f4hFzCGD12">pic.twitter.com/f4hFzCGD12</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/924556263429627904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Also on the basis of Munat&#39;s complaint, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-sex-cd-after-arrest-of-journalist-police-file-fir-against-state-congress-chief-23060" target="_blank">a case was&nbsp;registered against state Congress chief Bhupesh Baghel</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from PTI and ANI)</em><br />
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State's revenue minister Prem Prakash Pandey had said that the?matter seems to be a 'political and criminal conspiracy' and therefore needed a CBI investigation

The Chhattisgarh government has written a letter to CBI to probe into the "sex CD" row allegedly involving a state minister. The "sex CD" charges have been put against Chhattisgarh PWD minister Rajesh Munat. I have written letter to CBI today to investigate the matter: Chhattisgarh CM on Chhattisgarh Min Rajesh Munat's alleged sex video issue pic.twitter.com/cFfjxKOvcc — ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2017 × The matter of "sex CD" came to light after senior journalist Vinod Verma was arrested by Chhattisgarh police in his home in Ghaziabad. His arrest was based on a suspected blackmail and extortion related to a sex CD. Verma had claimed that the Chhattisgarh government was not happy with him because he had a "sex CD of Chhattisgarh PWD minister Rajesh Munot". Also read: Chhattisgarh police arrest journalist Vinod Verma, allege extortion Munot dismissed Verma's charges calling it "fake" and an attempt to character assassination. A meeting was held Saturday where the party decided CBI investigation into the matter. State's revenue minister Prem Prakash Pandey had said earlier that the CD was fake. Citing a local news channel he added that even the news channel has said that the CD was tampered with. He said that the matter seems to be a "political and criminal conspiracy" and therefore needed a CBI investigation because it was a result of a conspiracy planted by Congress. Claiming that the state minister cannot influence a CBI probe Pandey also hinted that the PWD Minister Rajesh Munot, allegedly involved in the row, will not step down from his post. Munot had earlier demanded that the CD be examined for its genuineness and action to be taken against those found involved in the conspiracy. Had requested CM, BJP State president & national leadership for a high level enquiry into the matter: Chhattisgarh Min Rajesh Munat #CDRow pic.twitter.com/EQenFGtJT2 — ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2017 × CBI will now probe as to who is behind the fake CD and who hatched the political conspiracy: Chhattisgarh Minister Rajesh Munat #CDRow — ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2017 × Please check facts before leveling allegations. Assassinating character of a person and making fake CDs is a matter of concern: Rajesh Munat pic.twitter.com/f4hFzCGD12 — ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2017 × Also on the basis of Munat's complaint, a case was registered against state Congress chief Bhupesh Baghel. (With inputs from PTI and ANI)

Chhattisgarh CM writes to CBI for probe into 'sex CD' row

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