On Friday morning, political tremors shook Chhattisgarh as Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials raided former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel’s private residence in Bhilai. The move followed days of speculation, and the timing raised more than a few eyebrows. The raid came on the last day of the state’s monsoon assembly session, during which Baghel had planned to raise the controversial Tamnar deforestation issue.
Baghel himself broke the news via a tweet on platform X. “ED has arrived,” he wrote, “Today was the final day of the Assembly session. I was going to speak about trees being cut for Adani in Tamnar. Sahib has sent ED to my Bhilai home.”
The ₹3200 crore liquor scam investigation, which once seemed confined to bureaucrats and businessmen, has now reached the doorstep of one of Chhattisgarh’s most influential politicians. Baghel’s political opponents argue the law is simply taking its course. His supporters, however, claim the raid is a clear case of vendetta politics.
The Baghel government had often locked horns with the central administration over issues ranging from tribal land rights to corporate projects. Observers are now questioning whether the ED’s sudden move is timed to silence his voice on the Tamnar controversy.
According to official reports, the Chhattisgarh liquor scam initially involved ₹2100 crore. As investigations continued, that figure ballooned to ₹3200 crore. The Enforcement Directorate alleges massive irregularities in the state’s excise department during Baghel’s tenure. Kickbacks, fake invoices, and ghost liquor supplies are just some of the tactics alleged to have been used.
A key figure in this case is hotelier Vijay Agarwal, whose properties in Bhilai, Goa, and Delhi were also raided. ED reportedly recovered ₹70 lakh in unaccounted cash from Agarwal’s premises. Known to be close to Baghel, Agarwal’s connection has only added fuel to the fire.
Still, questions abound. Why did the ED choose the exact day Baghel planned to raise an environmental issue in the assembly? Was this merely coincidence? Or does it indicate something deeper about the current political climate in India?
While the ED maintains it is acting on credible intelligence and documents, Baghel and his allies argue that such raids have become tools of intimidation. He is not the first opposition leader to face sudden ED action. Across the country, several politicians not aligned with the ruling party have faced similar treatment.
Political analysts say the ED raid on Baghel could shift the balance in upcoming elections. The former Chief Minister still holds significant influence among the rural and tribal population. Any suggestion of unfair targeting might generate sympathy and galvanize his support base.
Yet, not all public reaction has been sympathetic. A section of the population, fatigued by years of political drama, sees this development as part of a larger pattern. “If Baghel has nothing to hide, he should cooperate,” said one resident in Raipur. Others believe it’s time for all politicians to be held accountable, regardless of party affiliations.
It’s worth noting that Baghel’s political career has been marked by both achievements and controversy. Under his leadership, the state saw increased investments in rural infrastructure and education. However, allegations of mismanagement and favoritism were never far away. The liquor scam, if proven, could overshadow his entire legacy.
In the wake of the ED raid, several opposition leaders voiced their support for Baghel. Leaders from Congress, AAP, and regional parties labeled the incident as politically motivated. “This is not law enforcement; this is political punishment,” said one senior Congress member. Their concern isn’t just about Baghel, but what this pattern means for Indian democracy.
Interestingly, the timing of the ED’s action has sparked international attention too. A few international observers tracking Indian politics have noted how central agencies are increasingly involved in state-level disputes. This blurs the line between governance and politics and raises questions about institutional independence.
Whether Baghel is guilty or not is for the courts to decide. But the political implications are immediate. His party will likely use the raid as an example of persecution. Meanwhile, the ruling party can argue that it is cleaning up corruption, no matter where it hides.
The public remains divided. Some see the ED raid as justice finally reaching the powerful. Others view it as yet another chapter in India’s growing culture of vendetta politics. What is clear is that Baghel is now at the heart of a high-stakes political battle.
As this saga unfolds, one must also consider the environmental debate that got sidelined. The Tamnar deforestation issue, which Baghel was set to discuss, has quietly taken a backseat. Thousands of trees are being felled for energy projects, and tribal lands are under threat. That concern, too, deserves attention beyond the political drama.
Ultimately, the story of the ED raid on Baghel is not just about one man. It is about the evolving power struggle between the state and the center. It is about accountability, governance, and the methods used to enforce them.
The road ahead for Baghel looks challenging. He must now defend himself legally while navigating an increasingly hostile political climate. Yet, history shows that Indian politics is full of comebacks. Whether this is Baghel’s fall or just a twist in his journey remains to be seen.
As of now, the only certainty is uncertainty. And in that uncertainty, Baghel continues to dominate headlines—both for what he’s accused of, and what he stands against.