Subhechcha Ganguly 
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted searches at multiple locations in Chhattisgarh on Wednesday, including the residence of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. According to officials, the raids took place at Baghel’s homes in Raipur and Bhilai, as well as the premises of a senior police officer and a close associate of the former chief minister.
The CBI has not yet disclosed the reason for the searches. However, the timing of the action has drawn attention, as it comes just before Baghel’s scheduled visit to Delhi for an important Congress meeting. His office issued a statement, highlighting that he was set to attend the All India Congress Committee (AICC) Drafting Committee meeting in Ahmedabad on April 8 and 9.
“Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel is scheduled to go to Delhi today for the meeting of the ‘Drafting Committee’ constituted for the AICC meeting. Even before that, the CBI has reached his Raipur and Bhilai residences,” the statement read.
Recently, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) also carried out searches at Baghel’s residence in connection with an alleged liquor scam. The former chief minister has been vocal in criticizing the central agencies, accusing them of being used for political purposes.
The Congress has set up a 15-member drafting committee to prepare for the national convention. Bhupesh Baghel, who is also the party’s national general secretary, along with Sachin Pilot, has been included in the committee, while Randeep Surjewala has been appointed as its convenor. The committee will draft key issues, including the party’s stance on political, economic, and social matters, election strategies, and manifesto updates. More than 3,000 leaders are expected to attend the Ahmedabad convention.
