Senior Congress leader and former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to immediately suspend the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), citing the fuel crisis arising from the ongoing conflicts between America and Iran.
In a social media post, Baghel stated that continuing the IPL during such a sensitive period is inappropriate and called upon the Centre to prioritize national interest and public safety. He wrote, "Prime Minister, please stop the IPL immediately."
Baghel argued that halting the tournament would reduce large-scale public movement to stadiums and help save fuel. The Congress general secretary further claimed that suspending the league would also halt payments made in foreign currency to overseas players and curb betting activities allegedly linked to the IPL.
The former Chhattisgarh CM also took a swipe at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), alleging that even some Sangh workers had become involved in betting activities associated with the tournament. "Betting will also stop," he remarked.
These remarks come amid opposition leaders increasingly questioning the Centre's priorities during the crisis. The BJP had not issued an immediate response to Baghel's remarks until the filing of this report.
