Manipur: The Congress party on June 3 accused the BJP government in Arunachal Pradesh of trying to obstruct a court-monitored Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into alleged irregularities in the awarding of public works contracts, despite Supreme Court directives.
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Congress General Secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh alleged that the BJP government in the North-East state has abandoned all principles of transparency and accountability.
“The BJP has clearly decided to act shamelessly in Arunachal Pradesh, even though the Supreme Court has ordered a CBI inquiry and the Chief Minister’s decision is under scrutiny,” Ramesh said.
The controversy stems from the CBI ordering a preliminary inquiry into allegations that public works contracts in Arunachal Pradesh were awarded to firms allegedly owned by or linked to Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s family.
Ramesh alleged that the state government was trying to prevent the investigation from proceeding despite the Supreme Court’s intervention. He claimed that pressure was being exerted on the CBI and that important files and records related to the investigation should be made available to the investigating agency.
He further questioned why Chief Minister Khandu had not been removed from office even after the Supreme Court directed the CBI to investigate corruption allegations against him.
According to Ramesh, the CBI investigation report submitted to the Supreme Court in April 2026 highlighted allegations that contracts worth ₹1,270 crore were awarded to firms linked to the Chief Minister’s family members between January 2015 and December 2025.
The Congress leader called the case a “big mockery” of the Supreme Court’s order and demanded an independent investigation into the allegations.
Referring to the Supreme Court’s observations, Ramesh said the court found the allegations so serious that an independent investigation was needed, rather than one influenced by the preferences of a political or administrative official.
He also said the matter raises broader concerns about the integrity of public procurement processes and potential conflicts of interest at the highest levels of the state administration.
The BJP and the Arunachal Pradesh government did not immediately respond to the Congress allegations. The Supreme Court-ordered investigation relates to alleged irregularities in the awarding of public works contracts and is currently being investigated by the CBI. Further developments are expected as the investigation progresses.
