Baghel being targeted to silence dissent: Bajwa

Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa has come out in support of Bhupesh Baghel, former Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh and Punjab Congress incharge, following the CBI decision to name him in an FIR linked to a betting scam. The agency’s move has reportedly raised concerns about potential targeting of Opposition leaders.

Bajwa said Baghel’s steadfast commitment to the Congress’ values set him apart from others who had faced similar scrutiny. “He is a leader of integrity, rooted in the ethos of justice and grassroots empowerment. Unlike some who switched sides under pressure—Himanta Biswa Sarma to the BJP in 2015, Ajit Pawar’s 2019 alignment, Eknath Shinde’s 2022 rebellion or Suvendu Adhikari’s 2020 shift—Baghel stands firm,” Bajwa said. He said Baghel’s tenure in Chhattisgarh was marked by social welfare initiatives, a testament to his dedication.

The Punjab Congress said it viewed this FIR not as an indictment, but as a possible misuse of institutional power to silence dissent.