Chikki scam: NCP, Congress dismiss Pankaja Munde's clarification

Congress and NCP on Wednesday rubbished Maharashtra Women and Child Welfare Minister Pankaja Munde's claim that allegations against her were just a "scam of words" and said the present government itself had decided not to resort to the rate-contract system.

Both the parties said that Munde must resign, otherwise they would not allow the smooth-functioning of the monsoon session of state legislature. Munde is facing allegations of flouting norms in awarding contracts for purchase of 'chiki' and a host of other items for anganwadis, worth Rs 206 crore, issued by her department.

The Minister, who also holds charge of Water Conservation, is facing allegation of violation of norms in awarding a contract to build a dam in Jalna district to a close associate of her family. "Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, when in opposition, had criticised the policies of the Congress-NCP government and had declared that he would scrap many policies of the then regime. Why are Munde and Fadnavis now justifying the actions of her ministry, saying that policy of Congress-NCP government was followed?" asked NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik.

Malik also asked whether Munde was not aware of a December 2012 ruling of Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court that purchases through rate-contract (negotiating rates with individual contractors) should stop and e-tendering process should be adopted. "Munde should explain whether or not she was aware that in June 2013, Chief Secretary had issued a circular regarding implementation of court order. In May 2013, there were official department notings that purchases through rate contract should not be done. Why did Munde scrap the procurement order...and issue a new order?" he asked.

State Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant described Munde's clarification as "a poor attempt to hide her misdeeds" and accused her of misleading the people. "It is not the credibility of opposition that is in doubt as she says, but her own credibility is at stake. It is a mockery of democracy that Chief Minister asks the opposition to submit proof of allegations when all notings in official files are there for him to see. The real character of BJP is revealed by such conduct," he said. 

Both Malik and Sawant demanded Munde's resignation to ensure a free and fair probe. Malik also questioned her silence over the allegation on the awarding of dam contract. Leader of opposition in the Assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil said there was no substance in Munde's clarification.

"She is trying to pass it on to the previous government. But, all her decisions were taken overruling the procedures," Patil said. He said the government had lost credibility. "It is not sensitive towards farmers. Today is Krishi Din (agriculture day) and the state Agriculture Minister Eknath Khadse skips an important government function to mark the event and goes abroad. This shows how serious the government is about agriculture."

The opposition leader said he himself had cancelled his US visit later this week. "The political situation in the state is seeing some fast developments. Chief Minister and senior Minister Eknath Khadse as well as the Chief Secretary are all touring abroad. So I felt at least the opposition leader should stay back," Patil said.

Patil also targeted the government for threat calls received by Sawant who had first filed the complaint with ACB about the 'chikki scam' involving Munde. "Protecting Sawant is the duty of the government. It will have to pay a heavy price if any harm is caused to Sawant," the opposition leader said.