Congress Questions ₹575 Crore Jet and Helicopter Deal in Madhya Pradesh
Congress raises concerns over ₹575 crore jet and helicopter purchases by Madhya Pradesh government amid financial strains.
Bhopal, October 23 (Daily Kiran) : The Congress party has raised serious questions regarding the Madhya Pradesh government’s recent acquisition of a jet and a helicopter, totaling ₹575 crores. This purchase comes at a time when the state is grappling with significant debt and delays in payments for social security pensions and midday meal provisions for women’s groups.
Mukesh Nayak, president of the Madhya Pradesh Congress media department, demanded transparency regarding the purchase contracts, payments, and additional expenses incurred. He highlighted the rising costs associated with the aircraft and the lavish interior fittings, casting doubt on the spending priorities of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s administration.
Nayak questioned the necessity of such an expensive aircraft and helicopter when regular air services are available. He noted that the state cabinet approved these purchases on July 10, 2024. The initial cost of the jet was approximately ₹234 crores, which surged to ₹350 crores, while the helicopter’s price jumped from ₹125 crores to ₹225 crores.
He further claimed that around ₹60 crores were spent on customizing the jet’s interior, with an additional ₹20 crores allocated for the helicopter’s interior. Nayak has called for details on customs duties, GST, insurance, and other related expenses, along with tender documents, contracts, and payment records.
Pointing to the BJP government’s prioritization of spending amid the state’s debt burden, Nayak referenced complaints about delayed payments to women’s groups involved in social security pensions and midday meal preparations. He also raised concerns over pending contractor payments and incomplete infrastructure projects, stating, “Public funds should be spent on the needs of the people, not on facilities whose necessity and costs raise serious questions.”
Additionally, he mentioned a ₹3,200 crore drinking water project in Satna and Maihar, alleging that substantial funds were withdrawn despite ongoing water shortages in villages. Nayak has demanded a detailed account of the work completed and the timeline for project completion. He also noted that state Congress president Jitu Patwari has accused the government of financial irregularities in the aircraft purchase, including a ₹100 crore commission, and has called for a fair investigation.
