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GENERAL· 6h ago
Supreme Court Slams Routine Bail Challenges, Backs High Courts
On July 22, 2026, the Supreme Court ruled that interference with bail orders should be exceptional and only when liberty is "egregious" to justice. The court criticized routine challenges under Article 136, emphasizing High Courts as final arbiters. While hearing petitions by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Chhattisgarh government against bail granted to Chaitanya Baghel in a liquor scam case, the Bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant declined to interfere with his bail but ordered expungement of adverse remarks against the investigating agency.
GOVERNANCE· 9h ago
Dalit Leader Channi Challenges Congress High Command Over Leadership Changes
Charanjit Singh Channi, a prominent Dalit leader and former chief minister of Punjab, is at odds with the Congress High Command over demands for leadership changes. His faction's dissatisfaction could weaken the party, especially in key constituencies, potentially benefiting the BJP. Despite reaffirming his commitment to Congress after meeting KC Venugopal, Channi’s supporters remain critical of the high command’s decisions.
GOVERNANCE· 6d ago
Congress dissidents pledge support to Punjab chief after three-hour meeting in New Delhi
On Thursday, Charanjit Singh Channi and other dissident leaders in the Congress party professed adherence to the high command’s decision to retain Amrinder Singh Raja Warring as Punjab unit chief after a three-hour meeting with AICC general secretary KC Venugopal in New Delhi. The meeting addressed concerns over internal unity and organizational effectiveness, following Baghel's visit to Punjab. Channi emphasized support for party leadership despite earlier opposition to Warring’s position.
GOVERNANCE· 12 Jul
Bearded Minister Revived: Akal Takht Censure Shields Gurmeet Singh Khuddian
Kanchan Vasdev, a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, reports that Akal Takht's censure of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has given Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian a new lease on life. Previously seen as politically vulnerable, Khuddian is now protected due to his status as the only Sikh minister with a flowing beard in the cabinet. Meanwhile, Punjab’s Chief Electoral Officer Anindita Mitra is enforcing strict election rules, canceling leaves of Deputy Commissioners to ensure compliance with electoral roll revisions.
GOVERNANCE· 11 Jul
Congress Leaders Push for Punjab Unit President Replacement
On Saturday, over 80 Congress leaders including at least 12 MLAs met Bhupesh Baghel, pushing for the replacement of Punjab unit president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring. Despite claims by Baghel that no one objected to Warring's continuation, senior leader Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa indicated dissatisfaction with Warring’s leadership, emphasizing the need for an uncompromised leader to challenge the AAP government in Punjab.
GOVERNANCE· 11 Jul
Punjab Congress crisis: Baghel denies leadership shake-up as Channi demands Warring’s ouster
At a key meeting in Kapurthala, Bhupesh Baghel addressed over 80 Punjab Congress leaders to resolve the crisis between Charanjit Singh Channi and PPCC president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring. Channi demanded Warring’s ouster, alleging character assassination. Randhawa called for a compromised leader change. Baghel denied any demand for leadership replacement, but tensions remain ahead of February 2027 elections.
GOVERNANCE· 11 Jul
Baghel meets Punjab leaders to ease party tensions over new leadership roles
On July 11, 2026, Bhupesh Baghel, AICC general secretary in-charge for Punjab, met with party leaders close to former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi at Rana Gurjit’s residence in Chandigarh. The meeting aimed to address party workers' sentiments after the announcement of Amrinder Singh Raja Warring as State president and Channi as campaign committee chairperson. Despite initial reluctance, Channi attended with senior leaders like Sukhjinder Randhawa and Bharat Bhushan Ashu. Baghel flew back to Raipur immediately afterward.
GOVERNANCE· 10 Jul
On Friday, Sarabjot Singh and Gurkirat Kaur, children of late Congress leader
On Friday, Sarabjot Singh and Gurkirat Kaur, children of late Congress leader Buta Singh, called on Jalandhar MP Charanjit Singh Channi to request the party to declare him as its chief ministerial candidate ahead of Punjab’s Assembly polls. They met Channi at his residence, later addressing media with full support for him. This follows a meeting planned between Channi's camp and Bhupesh Baghel, who extended his visit by three days.
GOVERNANCE· 8 Jul
Congress's Bhupesh Baghel visits Chandigarh to address Punjab internal strife ahead of 2027 elections
Bhupesh Baghel, the Congress's Punjab affairs in-charge, is visiting Chandigarh to address internal strife within the state unit ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. Disgruntled leaders are reportedly camping in New Delhi demanding a meeting with central leadership, including former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi. Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, the current PPCC chief, has downplayed the crisis and assured that Channi will meet Baghel soon.
GOVERNANCE· 7 Jul
Channi, Randhawa skip Baghel's Punjab Congress meetings
Congress's Punjab in-charge, Bhupesh Baghel, met with several state leaders and district presidents to address internal turmoil within the party. Charanjit Singh Channi and Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, who heads the core committee, were absent from these meetings but are expected to meet Baghel soon. Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, the state president, downplayed the ongoing crisis, stating that Channi would meet Baghel within a day or two. The recent overhaul of the Punjab Congress ahead of the Assembly election in early 2027 has sparked internal disputes and disagreements over leadership positions.
GOVERNANCE· 6 Jul
Punjab Congress Rebels Join Channi, Boycott Warring
Gurdaspur MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and other senior Congress leaders joined forces with former chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi at a meeting in Mohali, signaling a push for change within the Punjab state leadership. The group resolved to boycott Amarinder Singh Raja Warring's official engagements as part of their protest against his continued tenure as PPCC president. The meeting was attended by several prominent figures including Bhupesh Baghel, the AICC general secretary in charge of Punjab, and included former MLA Bharat Bhushan Ashu, Madan Lal Jalalpur, Kushaldeep Singh ‘Kiki’ Dhillon, and others. The group plans to meet with the Congress high command in New Delhi to press their demands for a change in leadership.
GOVERNANCE· 4 Jul
Warring hails Channi as "crown on Congress's head," denies party rift
Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, Punjab Congress president, dismissed speculation of factionalism within the party following a meeting at former chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi's residence. Warring emphasized that such gatherings are normal and differences will be resolved as the party unites for the 2027 Assembly elections. He praised Channi and other senior leaders, stating they remain united in their goal of returning Congress to power. Warring clarified ticket distribution is in the hands of the high command and will be based on merit and winnability. He also addressed concerns about meetings between Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, stating Randhawa's meeting was solely for administrative and law-and-order issues.
GOVERNANCE· 4 Jul
Warring Warns of Action Against Punjab Congress Critics
Raja Warring, Punjab Congress chief, dismissed speculation of factionalism following a meeting at former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi's house. He stated that the gathering was not indicative of infighting and emphasized that senior leaders had not violated party discipline. Warring assured that Channi is free to meet the Congress high command whenever he wishes, while also clarifying that no one has been advised to cross the limits of party discipline. He further asserted that there would be no groupism within the party during the upcoming elections and that all Punjab Congress members will unite for a common goal.
GOVERNANCE· 22 Jun
Rahul Gandhi arrives in Raipur to take part in Congress training camp
Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, arrived in Raipur on Sunday to participate in a 10-day training camp for Congress office-bearers and functionaries in Chhattisgarh. He was greeted by former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Sachin Pilot, Deepak Baij, and T.S. Singh Deo. The training program, running from June 20 to 29, aims to strengthen the party organization and enhance grassroots engagement through field visits, shramdaan activities, and village stays.
GOVERNANCE· 18 Jun
Why Punjab Congress Feels Caught In A 2021 Time Warp
The Congress in Punjab is facing a familiar challenge as it struggles to appoint a new state president and Leader of Opposition. This process, which began nearly six months ago, mirrors the internal conflicts that plagued the party in 2021, leading to the loss of power in the Assembly elections. The party is grappling with balancing caste representation, regional interests, and rival factions, potentially resulting in changes within leadership positions, including the general secretary in-charge of Punjab. The debate over a potential chief ministerial face for the 2027 Assembly elections highlights the need for political clarity and strong leadership to counter the Aam Aadmi Party's dominance.
GOVERNANCE· 10 Jun
Rajya Sabha polls: Congress delegation meets ECI over rejection of Meenakshi Natarajan’s nomination
A Congress delegation, including general secretary K.C. Venugopal and candidate Meenakshi Natarajan, met with the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday to address the rejection of her nomination for Rajya Sabha polls in Madhya Pradesh. Mr. Singhvi, a member of the delegation, argued that the court notice was based on a private complaint and not a criminal case, and requested the commission to withdraw the order of rejection. The party president Mallikarjun Kharge convened an urgent meeting for Congress leaders to discuss the situation.
GOVERNANCE· 10 Jun
Rajya Sabha polls: Congress delegation meets ECI over rejection of Meenakshi Natarajan’s nomination
A Congress delegation, including general secretary K.C. Venugopal and candidate Meenakshi Natarajan, met with the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday to address the rejection of Natarajan's nomination for Rajya Sabha polls in Madhya Pradesh. The delegation argued that the court notice was based on a private complaint, not a criminal case, and requested the commission to withdraw the rejection order. The party president, Mallikarjun Kharge, convened an urgent meeting to discuss the situation.
GOVERNANCE· 9 Jun
Meenakshi Natarajan's Nomination Scrapped, Congress Explores Legal Options
Congress leaders protested outside the Election Commission headquarters in Delhi after the rejection of their Rajya Sabha candidate, Meenakshi Natarajan,'s nomination papers. The Election Commission acknowledged the Congress memorandum and is expected to seek a report from the Returning Officer over the controversy. Senior Congress leaders, including KC Venugopal, Jairam Ramesh, Sachin Pilot, and Bhupesh Baghel, staged a protest, while sources say the party is preparing for a legal challenge against the rejection.
GOVERNANCE· 7 Jun
Congress-JMM Seat Share Plan For Rajya Sabha Polls: Here's How They Can Win
Hemant Soren and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) have finalized a seat-sharing agreement for two Rajya Sabha seats in Jharkhand. Hemant Soren agreed to concede one seat to the Congress, with the party's candidate being Pranav Jha. The deal was reached after discussions between Hemant Soren and Congress observers Bhupesh Baghel and Ajay Sharma, who met with him on Sunday morning. The JMM has nominated Baijnath Ram for the elections.
GOVERNANCE· 3 Jun
Congress Rahul Gandhi Priyanka Gandhi: With Eye On Upcoming Polls, Congress Plans Major Organisational Reshuffle
Following the appointment of DK Shivakumar as Chief Minister of Karnataka, BK Hariprasad has been named the state Congress president. The Congress is planning a major reshuffle across over six states, with a focus on poll-bound regions like Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa, Manipur, Gujarat, and Himachal Pradesh. The party is considering replacing in-charges and state presidents to attract voters and balance caste dynamics. This reshuffle is expected to be the last major one under Mallikarjun Kharge's leadership as Congress president.
GOVERNANCE· 3 Jun
Exclusive With DK Shivakumar's Daughter, Brother After Big Karnataka Oath
DK Shivakumar, the newly sworn-in Chief Minister of Karnataka, faces high expectations from his family and the public. Rahul Gandhi urged focus on upcoming elections in 2028 and 2029, while Shivakumar's daughter Aisshwarya DKS Hegde emphasized a commitment to returning to power in future elections. Shivakumar has already initiated plans for Bengaluru infrastructure improvements, building regularization, and free student bus rides.
GOVERNANCE· 30 May
Rahul holds one-on-one meet with 5 Punjab leaders, hints at organisational reset
Rahul Gandhi met with five senior Punjab Congress leaders, including Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, Partap Singh Bajwa, and Charanjit Singh Channi. The meetings, which included Mallikarjun Kharge and KC Venugopal, were seen as a sign of organizational changes planned by the party high command. The focus is on accommodating leaders from different power centers, with experienced figures like Warring, Bajwa, and Channi likely to be placed in key committees. The high command aims to address concerns about potential BJP poaching of disgruntled leaders and ensure unity ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
GOVERNANCE· 30 May
How Municipal Poll Setback Brought Congress Factionalism To Fore In Punjab
The Congress suffered a disappointing performance in the Punjab municipal elections, losing to the ruling Aam Aadmi Party. This setback has reignited concerns about leadership within the party and fueled internal power struggles. Several senior leaders are positioning themselves for key organizational roles ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. While the high command has stated there will be no immediate organizational changes, factionalism remains a significant challenge for the party as it seeks to address accountability and build unity for future electoral success.
GOVERNANCE· 9 May
Punjab Congress to release ‘chargesheet’ against AAP government
Bhupesh Baghel, former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and Congress General Secretary in charge of Punjab, presided over a meeting of the state party unit to discuss the "grim state of affairs" under the ruling AAP government. The meeting focused on allegations of rampant corruption and deteriorating law and order, leading to feelings of insecurity among residents. The Congress plans to hold "yatras" across all 117 Assembly segments in the coming days to engage with voters and address their concerns.
GOVERNANCE· 6 Apr
Congress petitions Election Commission to cancel Assam CM’s candidature over ‘undisclosed assets’
Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Chief Minister of Assam, is facing a petition from the Assam Congress to cancel his candidacy for the upcoming Assembly election. The petition alleges that he failed to disclose his wife's alleged offshore assets in his affidavit, violating the Representation of the People Act, 1951. A delegation led by former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel submitted the complaint to the Assam Chief Electoral Officer. Sarma denies the allegations.
GOVERNANCE· 23 Mar
⚑ ALERT: POWER ABUSE· The article discusses potential abuse of power by investigative agencies to indefinitely delay trials.
Chaitanya Baghel case: Supreme Court to hear question of law; ED maintains case is infructuous
The Supreme Court of India agreed to hear a case regarding the ability of investigating agencies to stall trial proceedings by continuing investigations indefinitely. The petition, filed by Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, argues that such actions infringe on his right to bail. The ED, representing the government, argued that the case was now infructuous as Mr. Baghel is already out on bail. The case involves allegations of a ₹2,000 crore liquor scam in Chhattisgarh between 2019 and 2022.
GOVERNANCE· 17 Mar
‘BJP diluting rural job scheme’: Chhattisgarh Cong. stages protest
The Congress party staged a gherao of the Chhattisgarh Assembly on Tuesday, protesting changes to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) implemented by the BJP-led Central government. Sachin Pilot, AICC general secretary in-charge of Chhattisgarh, accused the Modi government of weakening the scheme and taking away decision-making authority from local bodies. Bhupesh Baghel, former Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, also criticized the changes, claiming they would deprive people of their rights and entitlements.
GOVERNANCE· 12 Mar
Opposition uproar in Chhattisgarh Assembly over LPG cylinder shortage
Opposition Congress MLAs in Chhattisgarh demanded a discussion on the shortage of cooking gas cylinders, citing disruptions caused by the ongoing West Asia conflict. The Leader of the Opposition (LoP), Charan Das Mahant, raised the issue during Zero Hour, claiming that prices were hiked despite assurances from the Chief Minister that there would be no shortages. The Chair disallowed the request, stating it was a matter for the Centre. This led to protests and the suspension of 30 Congress MLAs.
GOVERNANCE· 10 Mar
Chhattisgarh: Congress grills BJP on opium cultivation issue
Congress legislators in the Chhattisgarh Assembly raised concerns about illegal opium cultivation allegedly at the farm of a local BJP functionary, Vinayak Tamrakar. The Opposition accused Tamrakar of being protected by the ruling party and demanded an adjournment motion to discuss the matter. The chair disallowed the motion, leading to protests and the suspension of 29 Congress MLAs. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma responded that a joint team raided the site, seizing opium plants weighing 62,424.4 kg and arresting three individuals. The BJP suspended Tamrakar from the party for tarnishing its image. The Congress announced protests against the alleged protection of the drug trade by the BJP.
JUSTICE· 8 Mar
⚑ ALERT: POWER ABUSE· Allegations of torture and inadequate medical care leading to death in custody raise serious concerns.
Death behind bars in Chhattisgarh
Sameer Thakur, whose father Jeevan Thakur died in a Chhattisgarh jail in December 2025, has been protesting the lack of medical care for his father and alleging he was tortured. The death of Jeevan Thakur, a former janpad chairperson accused of forging documents, prompted street protests and debate in the state's Legislative Assembly. The government revealed that 66 prisoners died in custody between January 2025 and January 2026, with investigations ongoing for many of these deaths. Bhupesh Baghel, a former Chief Minister, questioned the government on the lack of transparency regarding custodial deaths and demanded an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Jeevan Thakur's death. The government stated that over 18,000 inmates are currently housed in Chhattisgarh's jails, exceeding their capacity by up to 126%. Experts have attributed these deaths to overcrowding and inadequate medical care.
GOVERNANCE· 5 Mar
Rajya Sabha Elections 2026: Congress renominates Chhattisgarh MP Phulo Devi Netam
Congress renominated senior tribal leader Phulo Devi Netam as its candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Chhattisgarh. The party announced her nomination on Wednesday, March 4th, 2026, while the BJP nominated OBC leader Lakshmi Verma. Ms. Netam, a former MLA and current president of the Chhattisgarh Pradesh Mahila Congress Committee, is expected to be elected as one of the two members from the state. Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel congratulated Ms. Netam on her renomination.
GOVERNANCE· 28 Feb
India-U.S. trade deal will destroy Indian farmers: Rahul Gandhi
Rahul Gandhi, leader of the Congress, criticized the India-U.S. interim trade deal, claiming it will harm Indian farmers and questioning the sudden agreement's implementation after a four-month delay. He alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a commitment to U.S. President Donald Trump for annual purchases worth ₹9 lakh crore from the U.S., but claims the deal will negatively impact farmers. The rally was attended by several senior Congress leaders, including K.C. Venugopal and Bhupesh Baghel.
GOVERNANCE· 26 Feb
⚑ ALERT: POWER ABUSE· 66 inmate deaths in a year raise serious concerns about jail conditions and potential abuse.
66 inmates died in Chhattisgarh jails since January 2025, govt. tells Assembly; tribal leader’s custodial death triggers uproar
Opposition members in the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly disrupted proceedings on Thursday, February 26, 2026, over the recent custodial death of tribal leader Jeevan Thakur. Bhupesh Baghel, former Chief Minister and senior Congress leader, questioned the government's response to 66 inmate deaths in jails between January 2025 and January 31, 2026, including inquiries into all such cases. Vijay Sharma, Deputy Chief Minister, provided details of the inquiry process for the 18 completed cases and stated that a committee was formed to investigate Thakur's death. The Opposition members demanded a probe by the Assembly, claiming negligence in providing medical care and alleging false imprisonment.
JUSTICE· 18 Feb
⚑ ALERT: POWER ABUSE· Acquittal of 17 men for murder in communal violence raises serious concerns about justice.
Blow to justice, say kin after 17 acquitted in Chhattisgarh father-son murder case
Alam Bi, whose husband and son were killed in communal violence in Chhattisgarh's Bemetara in 2023, expressed disappointment with the acquittal of all 17 men accused of their murders. The family is struggling to survive on monthly aid from the state government’s Mahtari Vandan Yojana. The incident stemmed from a scuffle between two minors that escalated into violence, leading to the deaths of Bhuneshwar Sahu and the subsequent arrests of 17 individuals. Despite these arrests, Ms. Alam Bi believes the police failed to ensure justice for her family and expressed lack of faith in the system.
GOVERNANCE· 17 Feb
Kharge, Rahul, to meet Congress leaders from five States and J&K on February 20 to plan strategy against India-U.S. trade deal
Congress leaders from five states and a Union Territory will meet with party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on February 20 to discuss the impact of the interim Indo-U.S. trade agreement on farmers. The meeting follows accusations that the government is "surrendering" India's interests for a trade deal, with concerns raised about potential harm to domestic agricultural markets and livelihoods. The party plans further outreach programs and press conferences to amplify its stance against the agreement.
GOVERNANCE· 12 Feb
Court restrains Congress leaders from making ‘defamatory statements’ against Assam CM
Gaurav Gogoi, Bhupesh Baghel, and Jitendra Singh, three Congress leaders, were restrained by a Guwahati court from making further defamatory statements against Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Assam Chief Minister. The order was issued after hearing the petitioner's counsel who argued that the allegations made by the Congress leaders are baseless and lack evidence. The court also ordered the defendants to appear before it on March 9, 2026. Devajit Saikia, Advocate General of Assam, stated that all the CM's assets have been publicly disclosed through various means including income tax filings, government records, and election affidavits. He further asserted that the allegations against the CM are politically motivated and aimed at gaining political advantage ahead of upcoming elections in the state.
GOVERNANCE· 10 Feb
Assam CM Himanta files ₹500 crore defamation suit against Gaurav Gogoi, others
Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Chief Minister of Assam, filed a defamation suit against three Congress leaders for alleged false and malicious statements made during a press conference. He also lodged a police complaint against two Congress MLAs over an AI-generated video depicting him firing at Muslims. The Congress party has responded to these actions with their own complaints, alleging the video is provocative and communal.
GOVERNANCE· 6 Feb
Navjot Kaur Sidhu expelled from Congress, days after she ‘quit’ party
Bhupesh Baghel, AICC general secretary, announced that Navjot Kaur Sidhu has been expelled from the Congress. Ms. Sidhu had previously claimed to have resigned from the party, but was suspended earlier and now faces expulsion. Ms. Sidhu criticized Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of being out of touch with ground realities and prioritizing his own interests over those of Punjab. She also accused the AAP of corruptly selling the party for personal gain.
GOVERNANCE· 30 Jan
Congress top brass meets leaders from Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, asks them to work together and flag BJP “failures”
Congress leadership, including Mallikarjun Kharge, met with party leaders from Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh to discuss strategies for highlighting the BJP's failures and strengthening their organizational response. The meetings focused on issues such as booth-level agents, the restoration of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), electoral rolls irregularities, and upcoming elections. Rahul Gandhi and K.C. Venugopal were present at both meetings.
GOVERNANCE· 22 Jan
Congress high command asks Punjab leaders to refrain from speaking publicly on party’s internal issues
Congress leaders in Punjab were warned against making public statements about internal party matters and engaging in factionalism. K.C. Venugopal, Congress general secretary in-charge of organization, stated that the party's top brass had met with all Punjab leaders to discuss these issues following a series of meetings. Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress president, and Rahul Gandhi, senior leader, were present at the meeting along with other party leaders. Venugopal emphasized that groupism would not be tolerated and that the party was committed to providing due representation to marginalized groups, including SCs.
GOVERNANCE· 21 Jan
Punjab Congress in damage control mode after Channi’s Dalit representation demand
Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, the Punjab Congress president, addressed internal party discord sparked by Charanjit Singh Channi's call for greater Dalit representation. He denied any factionalism within the state unit and stated that the Congress does not practice caste or communal politics. Warring emphasized that while there may be minor differences among leaders, they do not work against the party. He also assured that deserving candidates from the Scheduled Castes will be accommodated regardless of seat reservations.
JUSTICE· 12 Jan
⚑ ALERT: POWER ABUSE· Allegations of corruption, bribery, and misuse of public funds for political gain are serious concerns.
Chhattisgarh coal levy extortion funds used for election expenses, bribe politicians: ED
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) announced the attachment of assets worth ₹2.66 crore belonging to Soumya Chaurasia, a suspended Chhattisgarh administrative service officer, as part of an investigation into alleged illegal coal levy scam funds used for bribes and election expenses. The agency alleges that a group of individuals colluded with politicians and bureaucrats to extort money from coal transporters, generating ₹540 crore in illicit proceeds. The ED has filed five charge sheets naming 35 individuals and companies involved in this case, which stems from an FIR by the Bengaluru Police, a chargesheet by the Income-Tax Department, and a complaint by the Chhattisgarh Economic Offences Wing/Anti-Corruption Bureau (EOW/ACB).
GOVERNANCE· 11 Jan
Congress to contest 2027 Punjab polls under joint party leadership: Bhupesh Baghel
Bhupesh Baghel, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, and other senior Congress leaders announced that the party will contest the 2027 Punjab state elections under a collective leadership. Baghel stated that the final decision on the chief ministerial candidate would be made by Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. He also criticized the Centre's proposed replacement of MGNREGA with VB-G RAM G Act, arguing it would harm rural economies and deprive workers of their right to work. He further claimed that the AAP government in Punjab has failed to address issues like education, healthcare, and law and order.
GOVERNANCE· 11 Jan
Congress to contest 2027 Punjab polls under joint party leadership: Bhupesh Baghel
Bhupesh Baghel, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, and other senior Congress leaders announced that the party will contest the 2027 Punjab state elections under a collective leadership. Baghel stated that the final decision on the chief ministerial candidate will be made by Kharge and Gandhi. The Congress general secretary also criticized the Modi government's proposed replacement of MGNREGA with VB-G RAM G Act, claiming it would harm rural economies and deprive workers of their right to work. He further accused the AAP government of failing in various sectors, including education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
GOVERNANCE· 7 Jan
AICC observers for poll-bound States
The Congress appointed observers for upcoming Assembly elections in several states. D.K. Shivakumar, Bhupesh Baghel, and Bandhu Tirkey will observe the polls in Assam. Sachin Pilot, Kanhaiya Kumar, Imran Pratapgarhi, and K.J. George will oversee the elections in Kerala. Mukul Wasnik, Uttam Kumar Reddy, and Qazi Mohammad Nizamuddin were appointed for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Finally, Sudip Roy Barman, Shakeel Ahmad Khan, and Prakash Joshi will observe the polls in West Bengal.
JUSTICE· 2 Jan
⚑ ALERT: POWER ABUSE· Allegations of corruption against a former CM's son raise concerns about abuse of power.
Chhattisgarh liquor 'scam': HC grants bail to former CM Bhupesh Baghel's son Chaitanya
The Chhattisgarh High Court granted bail to Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, in two cases related to the alleged liquor scam. The ED arrested Chaitanya Baghel in July 2025 for money laundering and the ACB/EOW placed him under arrest in September 2025 for corruption. The ED alleges that the liquor scam, which took place between 2019 and 2022 while Bhupesh Baghel was in power, resulted in a massive loss to the state exchequer and benefited a liquor syndicate. The ACB/EOW claims Chaitanya Baghel received around ₹200-250 crore as his share of the proceeds from the scam.
JUSTICE· 26 Dec
⚑ ALERT: POWER ABUSE· Alleged corruption involving government officials and potential harm to public funds warrants concern.
Chhattisgarh liquor scam: ED files final prosecution complaint
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) filed the final prosecution complaint in the alleged liquor scam case in Chhattisgarh, naming 59 new individuals. This brings the total number of accused to 81 and follows a Supreme Court order requiring the filing within three months. The complaint names former officials, liquor license holders, manufacturers, and excise department personnel, among others. The ED is investigating money laundering linked to the alleged scam which caused over ₹3,000 crore in losses to the state exchequer.
JUSTICE· 22 Dec
⚑ ALERT: POWER ABUSE· Alleged corruption involving a politician's son raises serious concerns about abuse of power.
Chaitanya Baghel received ₹200-250 crore from liquor scam: ACB chargesheet
The Chhattisgarh Anti Corruption Bureau-Economic Offences Wing (ACB-EOW) has filed a chargesheet alleging that Chaitanya Baghel, son of senior Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel, received ₹200-250 crore from the alleged liquor scam. The ACB-EOW stated that Chaitanya Baghel managed and distributed the scam money collected by co-accused Anwar Dhebar's team to higher levels through his trusted associates, using it for real estate projects and banking channels transfers. The investigation has estimated the total amount of the excise scam to be approximately ₹3,074 crore, but further investigation suggests it could exceed ₹3,500 crore.
GOVERNANCE· 20 Dec
The quiet climb to the helm
Nitin Nabin, a 45-year-old BJP leader, has been appointed the new working national president of the party. His elevation signifies a generational shift within the ruling party and reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah's influence. Nabin, who hails from Bihar, was not previously associated with the RSS or its student wing, the ABVP, but his rise through the ranks has been marked by success in key states like Sikkim and Chhattisgarh. His appointment comes after a period of speculation about his suitability for the role, particularly given his youth and lack of traditional political experience.
GOVERNANCE· 17 Dec
⚑ ALERT: POWER ABUSE· Allegations of misuse of investigative agencies to target opposition raise serious concerns.
Congress protests in Chhattisgarh against ‘misuse of investigating agencies’
Congress party members in Chhattisgarh protested the dismissal of the ED's charge sheet in the National Herald case, alleging misuse of investigative agencies to suppress opposition. The protests included wearing "Satyamev Jayate" posters during the Question Hour and demonstrations outside the BJP office. Raman Singh, the Speaker of the Assembly, condemned the actions as against parliamentary rules and ordered their removal. The protest led to the adjournment of the assembly three times.
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GOVERNANCE· 17 Dec
⚑ ALERT: POWER ABUSE· Allegations of probe agency misuse to suppress opposition raise serious concerns.
Chhattisgarh Assembly session: 34 Congress members suspended after uproar over probe agency 'misuse'
Congress legislators in the Chhattisgarh Assembly accused central and state probe agencies of being used to suppress the opposition, leading to a heated debate. Senior Congress MLA Bhupesh Baghel alleged that investigative agencies were manipulating witness statements and using them as evidence against opposition figures. The Speaker rejected an adjournment motion by the Congress, resulting in the suspension of 34 MLAs. Following the suspension, the Congress members protested and chanted slogans, leading to further disruptions and the adjournment of the session.
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JUSTICE· 17 Dec
⚑ ALERT: POWER ABUSE· Arrest of a CMO official for alleged scam raises concerns about corruption and abuse of power.
Chhattisgarh liquor scam: ED arrests former CMO Deputy Secretary Soumya Chaurasia
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Soumya Chaurasia, a former Deputy Secretary in the Chief Minister's Office, in connection with an alleged liquor scam in Chhattisgarh. Ms. Chaurasia was arrested on December 16th and will be produced before a special court on December 17th. The ED alleges that Ms. Chaurasia is part of a larger syndicate responsible for illicit gains from the scam, which allegedly cost the state over ₹2,500 crore during the Bhupesh Baghel-led Congress government.
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GOVERNANCE· 15 Dec
Opposition boycotts Chhattisgarh Assembly proceedings over paddy procurement issue
Congress members in the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly boycotted proceedings on Monday, December 15, 2025, protesting alleged mismanagement in paddy procurement. The Opposition, led by Charandas Mahant, and former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, raised concerns about farmers facing difficulties with token issuance and the new online system. They demanded a detailed discussion on the issue, claiming it was unprecedentedly bad compared to previous years. State’s Food and Civil Supplies Minister Dayaldas Baghel defended the procurement process, highlighting the number of centers and registration numbers, but the Opposition remained unsatisfied with his response.
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GOVERNANCE· 8 Dec
Chhattisgarh govt amends provisions on land valuation guidelines amid Opposition backlash
The Chhattisgarh government amended its recent order on land valuations after facing backlash over the increased guideline rates. The revised guidelines address some objections, including discontinuing the incremental method for calculating values and withdrawing the provision of using super built-up area for multi-storey buildings. However, the Congress maintains that the guideline rates have not been corrected and protests will continue.
