A political controversy has erupted in Chhattisgarh after the mobile phone of Congress President Deepak Baij was stolen during a meeting at the party headquarters in Raipur. The incident occurred at Rajiv Bhavan during a strategy session with office bearers of the National Students' Union of India (NSUI). The meeting's agenda included preparations for an upcoming rally by Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge.
According to reports, Baij's phone went missing from the table during the meeting. Despite the presence of senior leaders like MLA Devendra Yadav, former mayor Ejaz Dhebar, and senior leader Pramod Dubey, the phone could not be found after the meeting. When attempts were made to call the phone, it was switched off, intensifying suspicions of theft.
Following the incident, NSUI state president Neeraj Pandey immediately reported the theft to the Khamhardih police station. Police officers arrived at the scene to investigate and are currently reviewing CCTV footage from Rajiv Bhavan. Deepak Baij has expressed concern that the phone contains important contacts and sensitive information.
The theft has quickly escalated into a political issue, with Chhattisgarh Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, a senior leader from the BJP, taking a dig at the Congress party. Kashyap suggested that there might be more to the incident than just a lost phone, implying that the phone's contents might be of interest to members within the Congress party. He stated that Baij should reveal what secrets were on his phone that even his own party members might be desperate to know. Kashyap further added that if Baij suspects anyone, including Bhupesh Baghel or T.S. Singh Deo, the government would provide full support to uncover the truth. This statement has stirred speculation, particularly in light of recent factional tensions within the Chhattisgarh Congress.
The BJP's remarks have caused a stir within the Congress camp, with questions arising about whether the theft was a simple case of stealing or if it was motivated by political reasons. The police investigation is ongoing, and political circles are waiting for the results, wondering if the theft was of information and not just a device.
