Counting for the assembly polls in five states including Chhattisgarh, where the issue of Mahadev Book illegal betting network was big, took place today. As per the latest reports, the BJP is currently ahead with over 50 seats, enough to form a new government ousting the Bhupesh Baghel-led Congress.
It is to be noted that Baghel was embroiled in the Mahadev Book controversy during the election campaigning phase with the ED even claiming he received Rs 508 crore from the illegal betting network’s operators.
Speaking on the current situation, BJP leader and Union Minister Anurag Thakur, in a statement, said, “Mahadev ka shraap, Congress saaf (The curse of Mahadev cleans up Congress)”, reported IndiaToday.
Many experts believe that the loss of the Congress is due to the allegations on Baghel regarding his links with Mahadev Book. During the election campaigns, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took potshots at Baghel regarding the same.
“I have some questions for the Congress leaders who are fond of teaching mathematics… I want to ask some questions about the party. The ‘Mahadev betting app scam’ is worth Rs 508 crore and the investigating agencies have recovered loads of cash in this case. A close aide of the Chhattisgarh CM is also in jail,” said PM Modi in one of the rallies, as quoted by Free Press Journal.
“Congress should reveal how much money the CM received in this. How much money have the other leaders of the party received and how much money has reached Delhi?” he added.
Mahadev Book is considered as one of the biggest illegal betting networks in India right now and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has booked multiple individuals in the case, including many in Chhattisgarh.
Apart from Baghel, names of several government individuals also came up, alleging their involvement. A video also surfaced in the lead up to voting day in which a man made similar claims. Going by the poll results, it seems that the allegations did have a substantial impact on Congress’ fortunes.