'Will they conduct an impartial investigation?': Jairam Ramesh questions PM over alleged liquor scam in MP
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh demands an impartial probe into the alleged liquor contract scam in Madhya Pradesh, questioning PM Modi's role.
Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi over a massive alleged liquor scam in Madhya Pradesh. Following reports of irregularities in liquor contracts, Ramesh has raised doubts regarding the possibility of a fair probe, asking if the central leadership would actually allow an unbiased investigation into the matter.
Corruption benchmarks in BJP states
In a strongly worded statement shared on social media, Ramesh accused BJP-ruled state governments of setting "new benchmarks in corruption." He noted that the state of Madhya Pradesh is currently reeling from allegations of financial misconduct, following a previous controversy involving a land scam.
"The BJP's state governments, too, inspired by 'Hum Do, Hamare Do,' are setting new benchmarks in corruption. In Madhya Pradesh, after the land scam, a liquor scam has now come to light," Ramesh stated. He further challenged the Prime Minister, suggesting that if the PM is not protecting the alleged corrupt elements, he must order an immediate investigation.
Ramesh also pointed out a potential internal rift, noting that even a former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh—who currently serves as the Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare—has been critical of the current state government's functioning.
The Seven Questions: Jitu Patwari's demand for accountability
The controversy gained momentum through Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari, who presented a detailed list of seven specific questions addressed to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). Patwari’s allegations center on a complex web of fake documents and bribery involving liquor contracts.
The core of the allegations involves:
- A Fake FDR: The acceptance of a Fixed Deposit Receipt (FDR) worth ₹2.75 crore that was allegedly never issued by the bank.
- Alleged Bribery: A suspected bribe of ₹1 crore used to facilitate the securing of liquor contracts.
- Procedural Lapses: The acceptance of security deposits 22 days past the deadline, in violation of established rules.
- Missing Guarantees: Permission being granted for ₹76 lakh in security without any accompanying bank guarantee.
Demanding answers from the PMO
Patwari expressed frustration over the silence of the state's Chief Minister regarding these serious charges. He insisted that since the state leadership has not responded, the responsibility now lies with the PMO to provide clarity.
The Congress leader's list of demands includes a call for accountability from the officials who accepted fraudulent security documents and a thorough investigation into the officials at Vallabh Bhavan who may be involved in the alleged commission and corruption racket. The opposition is now demanding to know under whose protection such a large-scale "game" was being played within the state administration.