“Why Are Agencies Ignoring CAG Reports Of Corruption In Govt Projects?”

On Monday, April 15, Congress leader Pawan Khera questioned probe agencies for not looking into CAG reports that he claimed had made allegations of corruption against the Union government.

Khera is the Congress’ national spokesperson. While addressing a press conference in Nagpur, he claimed that CAG reports contained “serious allegations” of irregularities in infrastructure works like the Bharatmala Pariyojana and the Dwarka Expressway — all of which are part of the Union ministry of road transport and highways headed by Nitin Gadkari.

Gadkari is the Lok Sabha candidate of the Bharatiya Janata Party from Nagpur. He attained victory on the seat with huge margins in 2014 and 2019.

According to Khera, the ministry had issued bonds worth Rs 1 lakh crore without approval of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs.

Khera also claimed that the National Highway Authority of India, which functions under the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, had taken huge loans “without application of mind” even as its cost of construction had doubled.

Khera also asked, “Where is the CBI and ED now? Have they issued notices over these? During Congress rule, agitations were held nationwide over allegations in CAG reports.”

The Congress leader claimed that there was a “question mark on whether the Constitution would survive or not” and said the country was going through an important and decisive phase.

Khera further claimed that many BJP leaders are making statements that the party would change the Constitution if it gets 400 seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

He said people no longer believe what the ruling party — the BJP — proclaims or promises, even as he slammed the BJP’s manifesto.

Khera said the people are reminded of the government’s corruption when the electoral bonds scheme is discussed. The Congress leader also questioned the source of funds in the construction of “big offices” by the BJP and outfits affiliated to it. He said, “Change is important after 10 years and the Congress has come to the people with a positive agenda. The entire nation understands the five ‘nyay’ (justice) guarantees that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi are talking about.”

Meanwhile, hitting out at the BJP over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks on electoral bonds, Khera said that the scheme had no transparency and benefitted only the ruling party.

“First they said there is no numbering on it (electoral bonds) but it was found that there is numbering. Only the ruling party has knowledge about the number. What kind of transparency is this? Our main objection was regarding transparency only that it only suits the ruling party,” Khera told ANI.

Earlier, in an interview to ANI, PM Modi had accused the opposition parties of “spreading lies” over the electoral bonds scheme, and said everyone will regret it when there is an honest reflection. He added that the scheme was aimed at curbing black money in elections and said the opposition wants to run away after making allegations.

Congress leader Manish Tewari also slammed the BJP for its idea of ‘One Nation, One Election’ and said that it is an “attack on Constitution”.

“One Nation One Election is completely against the union structure and an attack on India’s Constitution. There are many complications in it. And after seriously looking into it, Congress has completely rejected it,” Tewari said.