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‘We may consider banning Bajrang Dal, if needed’: Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel

Baghel, however, said that decisions taken in Karnataka may not apply in Chhattisgarh as situations in both states are different

Updated on: May 4, 2023, 09:33:37 IST
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Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel on Wednesday claimed that appropriate action will be taken against the Bajrang Dal and “if needed” they state dispensation may consider banning the organisation in the state.

Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel. (PTI Photo)
Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel. (PTI Photo)

His comments have come against the backdrop of the Karnataka Congress announcing in its manifesto earlier this week that they will ban organisaitons such as the Bajrang Dal if the party comes to power in this month’s assembly elections.

Baghel, however, said that decisions taken in Karnataka may not apply in Chhattisgarh as situations in both states are different.

“Bajrangis caused some disturbances here (in Chhattisgarh), but we corrected those... It is not necessary that the decisions of Karnataka Congress apply in Chhattisgarh also. If required, we will think about it... Our leaders and party office bearers have taken decisions based on the problems (existing in Karnataka),” the CM said.

Bajrang Dal activists in the state came down heavily on the Baghel-led Congress government over his statements.

Also Read:PFI-like ban on Bajrang Dal in Cong’s manifesto

Reacting to the CM’s remarks, senior Chhattisgarh BJP leader Brijmohan Agarwal said, “First, they asked for proof for Ram Janmabhoomi, then for Ram Setu and now they are questioning the Bajrang Dal. The people of Chhattisgarh will not tolerate this and will vote against the Congress in the upcoming elections.”

“We believe that law and Constitution are sacrosanct and cannot be violated by individuals and organisations like Bajrang Dal, PFI or others promoting enmity or hatred, whether among majority or minority communities. We will take decisive action as per the law including imposing a ban on such organisations,” the Karnataka Congress said in its election manifesto.

  • Ritesh Mishra
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Ritesh Mishra

    Ritesh Mishra is the State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh with Hindustan Times. He reports on Maoism, internal security, politics, mining, governance, and major developments shaping the state. Based in Raipur, he has covered Chhattisgarh since 2016, reporting extensively from the Bastar region and other conflict-affected areas. With nearly two decades of experience in journalism, Ritesh has built a reputation for ground reporting from some of India's most challenging terrains. His coverage spans Left-Wing Extremism, counter-insurgency operations, elections, tribal affairs, environmental issues, infrastructure, mining, and socio-economic developments. He has reported on major security operations, policy initiatives, wildlife crime, and the changing dynamics of conflict and development in Central India. Before moving to Chhattisgarh, Ritesh spent eight years reporting from Madhya Pradesh, covering politics, administration, crime, development, and social issues. Throughout his career, he has reported on various forms of extremism in Central India, combining field reporting with in-depth analysis to produce accurate, balanced, and impactful journalism. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Ritesh worked with The Pioneer and The Free Press Journal, where he covered a wide range of beats and honed his skills in political, investigative, and field reporting. His reporting is marked by exclusive stories, extensive fieldwork, and a commitment to factual, on-the-ground journalism that brings complex issues to a wider audience.Read More