The Arunachal Pradesh unit of the Congress on Monday demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Pema Khandu following the Supreme Court’s direction to a CBI probe into the alleged allotment of public works contracts to firms linked to family members.
In a statement, state Congress president Bosiram Siram said the directive vindicated long-standing concerns raised by the party regarding alleged corruption, nepotism and misuse of authority under the BJP-led government in the state.
The apex court on Monday directed the CBI to register a preliminary enquiry within two weeks into the award of public works contracts in Arunachal Pradesh to companies reportedly linked to relatives of Khandu.
The enquiry will examine the allotment and execution of contracts, work orders and public projects in the state between January 1 and December 31 last year. The court also asked the investigating agency to submit a status report within 16 weeks.
“We demand that the chief minister resign on moral grounds to pave the way for a fair, impartial and transparent enquiry into the matter,” Siram said, asserting that stepping down from the post would help ensure that the investigation proceeds without any influence or interference and that the truth is brought out before the public.
Siram described the Supreme Court’s intervention as a “significant development” that underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the need for a transparent investigation into the matter.
The Congress leader alleged that government contracts reportedly worth more than Rs 1,270 crore had been awarded over the past decade to firms connected to members of the chief minister’s family, calling it a serious breach of public trust.
He alleged that the development exposed what he termed “deep-rooted corruption and favouritism” in the functioning of the state government, and questioned the BJP’s stated commitment to maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption.
Khandu has welcomed the CBI preliminary inquiry, asserting that his government had “nothing to hide”.
The state Congress chief further called for a free, fair and time-bound investigation, preferably under judicial monitoring, to ensure transparency and prevent any interference in the inquiry process.
Expressing concern over the alleged misuse of public institutions, the Congress leader said such actions, if proven, could undermine democratic governance and public confidence in the administration.
He reiterated that the people of Arunachal Pradesh deserve transparent and accountable governance and asserted that no individual, irrespective of position, should be considered above the law.
Siram added that the Congress would continue to raise the issue and intensify its outreach across the state to mobilise public opinion against corruption and misuse of power.
