The Congress criticized the BJP following a Supreme Court order for a CBI probe into the alleged awarding of public works contracts in Arunachal Pradesh to firms connected to Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s relatives. The Supreme Court directed the CBI to conduct a preliminary enquiry within two weeks and present a status report within 16 weeks.
Allegations surfaced that contracts for public works in Arunachal Pradesh were given to companies reportedly owned by Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s relatives, raising concerns about conflicts of interest and governance propriety. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh, the party’s General Secretary (Communications), condemned the BJP’s actions, stating that the court’s involvement was just the start.
Ramesh accused several BJP Chief Ministers, including one from the Northeast who is expected to step down, of facing similar charges. He targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asserting that the slogan “Na khaunga, na khane doonga (I will neither take bribes nor let others take them)” had proven to be a sham. The Supreme Court’s directive covers the period from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2025, focusing on the award and execution of public works contracts in Arunachal Pradesh.
