'Conceding Early Defeat?' Chhattisgarh CM Calls On ECI Over BJP's Alleged Misuse Of CRPF Vehicles For Election Influence

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has raised concerns over the alleged misuse of CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) vehicles by the BJP to transport cash and other items to influence voters in the run-up to the legislative assembly elections.

Baghel called on the Election Commission (ECI) to inspect the CRPF vehicles and investigate the matter, asserting that the BJP has accepted defeat in the state and is resorting to unethical tactics.

As reported by Hindustan Times, Baghel stated, "I request that the Election Commission should check vehicles belonging to CRPF also. BJP has accepted defeat in the state. As a last straw, BJP is getting boxes filled with cash to be used for influencing the voters. This is a serious matter. Congress will file a complaint in this matter. What's the need to bring more companies of CRPF when there is enough CRPF presence in the state?"

The chief minister questioned the need for additional CRPF units in the state, emphasising that there were already multiple troops and units of CRPF in Chhattisgarh. Baghel expressed his intent to file a formal complaint regarding the alleged misuse of CRPF vehicles.

Baghel had earlier criticised the BJP for their focus on communalism and religious conversion during election campaigns.

Speaking in Bastar, he said, "They (BJP) have only 2 topics, communalism and religious conversion. They make brothers (of two communities) fight with each other. They won't do any work but make people fight and collect votes. They have hatred and violence in their mind."

The Congress party had previously submitted a memorandum to the ECI, seeking action against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for his comments during rallies in Chhattisgarh.

Following the complaint, the poll body served a notice to Sarma for remarks targeting Chhattisgarh minister Mohammad Akbar.

Chhattisgarh is gearing up for its state assembly elections, which will be held in two phases on 7 and 17 November.

The counting of votes is scheduled for 3 December, and the Model Code of Conduct has come into force with the announcement of poll dates.