Itanagar, June 3: The Congress on June 3 alleged that the BJP-led government in Arunachal Pradesh is attempting to obstruct a court-monitored Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into alleged irregularities in the award of public works contracts, despite directions from the Supreme Court.
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Congress general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh said the state government had abandoned transparency and accountability in governance.
He stated, “The BJP has clearly decided to brazen it out in Arunachal Pradesh, even though the Supreme Court has ordered a CBI investigation and the decision of the chief minister is under scrutiny.”
The controversy relates to a preliminary CBI inquiry into allegations that public works contracts in the state were awarded to firms allegedly linked to family members of Chief Minister Pema Khandu. Ramesh alleged that efforts were being made to stall the progress of the investigation despite judicial oversight.
He further claimed that the CBI was facing pressure and demanded that all relevant files and records connected to the case be made available to the agency to ensure a fair investigation.
Ramesh also questioned why Chief Minister Khandu had not been removed from office despite the Supreme Court’s direction for a CBI probe into allegations against him.
According to him, a CBI report submitted to the Supreme Court in April 2026 had flagged allegations that contracts worth Rs 1,270 crore were awarded between January 2015 and December 2025 to firms linked to members of the chief minister’s family.
He described the situation as a “gross travesty” of the Supreme Court’s order and called for an independent and impartial investigation into the matter.
Ramesh added that the case raises wider concerns over transparency in public procurement and possible conflicts of interest in governance. The BJP and the Arunachal Pradesh government have not yet responded to the allegations.
