17 hrs ago
Congress Alleges Bastar Pandum Corruption; Chhattisgarh Deputy CM Denies
Bastar Pandum was a festival held in Jagdalpur to celebrate Bastar’s tribal culture.
It included dances, songs, crafts, food and traditional clothing.
President Droupadi Murmu opened the event, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah attended its closing ceremony.
The Congress party said the government spent too much money on temporary facilities and decorations.
It said the money could have been used for roads, bridges and other public needs.
Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao said the accusations were political and denied that corruption occurred.
He said the government would investigate if someone formally complained.
Some contractor payments were held back, but an official did not say whether this was because of suspected wrongdoing.
The Chhattisgarh Congress alleged irregular spending of more than Rs 6.14 crore on the Bastar Pandum festival.
Congress cited expenses including Rs 28 lakh for flowers, Rs 42 lakh for green rooms and Rs 44 lakh for cloth side walls.
Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao rejected the allegations, calling them political claims and promising an inquiry if a complaint is received.
The festival was held in Jagdalpur from February 7 to 9, featuring tribal dances, folk music, handicrafts, cuisine and traditional attire.
The Public Works Department released 70 per cent of a contractor’s bills and withheld the remaining 30 per cent; officials did not explain why.
- Who
- The Chhattisgarh Congress, led in the statement by Deepak Baij, made the allegations; Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao rejected them, while Public Works Department Executive Engineer Bhavesh Singh provided payment details.
- What
- The Congress alleged corruption and wasteful spending in the Bastar Pandum festival’s arrangements; the government denied wrongdoing and offered an inquiry if a complaint is filed.
- Where
- Jagdalpur, in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region.
- When
- The festival was held from February 7 to 9; the allegations and government response were reported on October 1.
- Why
- Congress said festival funds were wastefully spent instead of being used for development and tribal welfare, while the government said the event promoted Bastar’s culture.
Congress Allegations
Government Response
Festival spending
Congress Allegations
Congress alleged that more than Rs 6.14 crore was spent irregularly on tents, chairs, pandals and related arrangements, including decorations and green rooms.
Government Response
Arun Sao denied corruption and said government works and bills are scrutinized at multiple levels before approval.
Use of public funds
Congress Allegations
Congress said the money could have supported roads, bridges, culverts and livelihood-related welfare in Bastar.
Government Response
The government defended Bastar Pandum as an effort to promote the region’s culture and said the allegations were political.
Need for investigation
Congress Allegations
Congress called for scrutiny of the alleged expenditure and criticized the use of a tribal festival for publicity.
Government Response
Sao said an inquiry would definitely be conducted if a complaint or indication of irregularity was received; an official confirmed that 30 per cent of a contractor’s bills remained withheld but declined to explain why.
Key facts
- Event
- Bastar Pandum festival
- Location
- Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh
- Festival dates
- February 7-9
- Alleged irregular expenditure
- More than Rs 6.14 crore
- Congress president quoted
- Deepak Baij
- Government response
- Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao denied corruption allegations and said an inquiry would follow any complaint.
- Contractor payment status
- The Public Works Department released 70 per cent of submitted bills and withheld 30 per cent.
Quotes
Deepak Baij
President of the Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee
“The money could instead have been used for development and welfare works. With Rs 6.14 crore, dozens of bridges, culverts and roads damaged in the monsoon could have been repaired.”
theprint.in
“Even so, if a complaint is received in this regard, an inquiry will certainly be conducted.”
theprint.in
Sources
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