Baghel alleges survey teams deployed to assess public support for his arrest; BJP calls claim baseless

Chhattisgarh’s political temperature rose sharply after former Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel alleged that survey agencies were being deployed across the state to gauge public opinion on whether he should be arrested—an accusation the ruling BJP dismissed as speculative and unfounded.

In a post on social media platform X, Baghel claimed that around 70 teams from a survey agency were visiting different districts and asking people whether action should be taken against him. He alleged that one such team was intercepted by his associates in Bhilai, exposing the purported exercise.

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Terming the move politically motivated, Baghel accused the Centre of using indirect methods to tarnish his image instead of following lawful and transparent procedures.

The former Chief Minister said he was being targeted through a series of allegations, referring to earlier claims linked to the Mahadev betting app case and what he described as fresh attempts to implicate him in the alleged liquor scam.

“Conducting surveys instead of following due legal procedure amounts to making a mockery of democratic norms,” Baghel said, asserting that he would not be intimidated by political pressure.

Reacting to the allegation, Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao said he had no information about any such survey and questioned the basis of the claim.

“There is no need to create an atmosphere of fear. Those who have done no wrong should not feel threatened,” Sao told reporters. He cautioned against making public accusations without evidence and urged restraint in political commentary.

Speaking separately, the Deputy Chief Minister highlighted the state’s strong performance in implementing central schemes, noting that Chhattisgarh ranks among the top states under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.

He added that discussions on a metro rail project were at a preliminary stage and described the Centre’s approval for procurement of pulses and oilseeds as a landmark decision for farmers.

Political observers say the episode underscores the widening trust deficit between the opposition and the ruling establishment.

Senior journalist Dr Awadhesh Mishra notes that when claims and counterclaims overshadow verifiable facts, public debate risks losing its focus on governance and accountability.

He adds that in a democracy, due process must not only exist but also be visibly upheld, and the coming days will test both political restraint and institutional credibility.