State Congress President Deepak Baij accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is misusing government resources to allure newly elected Congress-supported Zila Panchayat and Janpad Panchayat members ahead of the elections for their respective president positions in Zila Panchayat and Janpad Panchayats.
Baij addressed the media on Wednesday, and claimed, Congress-supported candidates are likely to win the presidency in most districts.
Consequently he also raised alarm that the BJP is resorting to intimidation and bribery, leveraging money and power to sway these members. Reports indicate that the BJP is offering vehicles like Innova, Fortuner, and Scorpio to gain their support. Creating such situations with the use of government machinery is illegal and unconstitutional, Baij alleged. By hook or crook, BJP wanted the Zila Panchayat and Janpad Panchayat president position, he alleged.
Despite all these conspiracies, the public is aware of these tactics, and Congress workers remain resolute.
Additionally, Baij noted that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had issued summons to the Chhattisgarh Congress at their state office, Rajiv Bhawan. He highlighted that this is the first instance of a central agency visiting a party office to deliver summons at the BJP's behest. Baij recalled that Congress constructed Rajiv Bhawan with the help of its workers and the community during its 15 years in opposition.
He also called for an investigation into the funding used for the construction of the BJP's state office. Baij pointed out significant factionalism within the BJP, which has resulted in unfilled appointments, with several posts in various boards, corporations, and commissions still vacant, including two cabinet minister positions.
Baij criticized the BJP government for being consumed by corruption and power, stating that crime rates are at an all-time high, and the government lacks control. He concluded that the so-called "double engine government" has completely failed to address crime in the state.
