BJP cries conspiracy after Dantewada attack, CM hits back

State BJP chief Vikram Usendi said the CBI should conduct an inquiry to find out whether the BJP MLA was killed because of the “negligence” and “conspiracy” of the Congress government.

Updated on: Apr 10, 2019, 23:29:32 IST

Hindustan Times, Raipur | By Ritesh Mishra

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Chhattisgarh Bharatiya Janata Party leaders blackened their social media profile pictures on Wednesday, claiming the deaths of BJP legislator, Bhima Mandavi, and four aides in an improvised explosive device blast on Tuesday was the result of a “political conspiracy”. They also demanded a CBI inquiry.

BJP MLA Mandavi, his driver and three security personnel were killed on Tuesday after an IED, said to have been triggered by Maoists, tore through his SUV in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada district .

Mandavi, his driver and three security personnel were killed on Tuesday after an IED, said to have been triggered by Maoists, tore through his SUV in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada district .

State BJP chief Vikram Usendi said the CBI should conduct an inquiry to find out whether the MLA was killed because of the “negligence” and “conspiracy” of the Congress government.

Another BJP leader and former minister, Brijomohan Agarwal, alleged that the state government was “working for the Maoists” and the conspirators were part of the government. “In these conditions, EC should take control of things as we don’t trust the Congress government. Our leaders are under serious threat.”

BJP leader and state spokesperson, Sacchinand Upasane, who said statewide protests had been organised by party workers, added: “The Congress government is responsible for the security lapse, which led to Mandavi’s death. It has been doing vendetta politics since last November and the death is the result of a political conspiracy.”

Responding to the charges, CM Bhupesh Baghel on Wednesday said the BJP MLA had not heeded police advice. “Had Bhima Mandavi listened to the police, he would have been alive. But he did not heed their advice and sent the district reserve group force back. He left without informing the local police,” Baghel said.

Mandavi’s mortal remains were brought to the BJP office in Dantewada where BJP leaders, including general secretary Anil Jain and ex-CM Raman Singh paid their respects Wednesday.

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

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