The Congress on Tuesday accused the BJP-led government in Arunachal Pradesh of attempting to obstruct a Supreme Court-monitored Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into alleged irregularities in the awarding of public works contracts in the state.
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Congress general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh alleged that the state government had abandoned transparency and accountability despite clear directions from the Supreme Court.
According to Ramesh, the controversy relates to a preliminary CBI inquiry into allegations that public works contracts were awarded to firms allegedly owned by or linked to members of Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s family.
“The BJP has chosen to brazen it out in Arunachal Pradesh even after the Supreme Court ordered a CBI investigation and the Chief Minister’s decisions came under scrutiny,” Ramesh said.
The Congress leader claimed that efforts were being made to slow down or obstruct the investigation despite judicial oversight. He alleged that the CBI continued to face pressure and stressed that all relevant documents and records connected to the case should be made available to the investigating agency.
Ramesh also questioned why Chief Minister Pema Khandu had not stepped down or been removed from office after the Supreme Court directed the CBI to investigate allegations of corruption linked to the case.
Referring to a report submitted by the CBI to the Supreme Court in April 2026, Ramesh alleged that contracts worth approximately ₹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 matter as a serious violation of principles of accountability and called for an independent and impartial investigation into the allegations.
The Congress leader further stated that the case raises broader concerns regarding transparency in public procurement and potential conflicts of interest within the state administration.
The BJP and the Arunachal Pradesh government had not immediately responded to the allegations.
The Supreme Court-directed investigation into the alleged contract irregularities is currently underway, with further developments expected as the CBI probe progresses.
