Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has officially welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to initiate a Preliminary Enquiry (PE) by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into allegations regarding the awarding of government contracts. Speaking on Monday, the chief minister expressed his full support for the judicial process, asserting that his administration remains committed to the principles of transparency and merit-based governance.
The Supreme Court’s directive comes in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) alleging that state contracts were preferentially awarded to the chief minister’s associates and kin. Khandu welcomed the probe, stating that it would clarify and dispel any misconceptions surrounding the state’s procurement processes. He maintained that the government has “nothing to hide” and pledged that all state departments would extend their complete cooperation to ensure a fair and independent investigation.
The crux of the inquiry involves verifying specific data previously submitted by the state government in a legal affidavit. According to that document, the state awarded a total of 21,079 contracts over the last decade. The four firms in question received only 121 works, accounting for approximately 0.57% of the total volume. In terms of financial value, these contracts amounted to ₹1,245.04 crore, which accounts for 2.74% of the ₹45,380.96 crore worth of total tenders processed by the state during the same period.
The Apex Court has now tasked the CBI with a preliminary inquiry to determine the veracity of these claims and to examine if the tender processes followed established legal protocols. The investigation aims to determine if sufficient evidence exists to justify a comprehensive criminal inquiry.
Responding to the development with confidence, Chief Minister Khandu remarked that the “truth will come out” through this professional scrutiny. By framing the CBI inquiry as an opportunity to validate his government’s record, the chief minister aims to reinforce public trust in the state’s executive functions. As the CBI begins its verification process, the political landscape in Arunachal Pradesh remains focused on the outcome of this high-stakes judicial oversight.
