MP Congress Questions Rs 575 Crore Aircraft Purchase, Seeks Cost Breakdown from Mohan Yadav Government

Mukesh Nayak, chairman of the Madhya Pradesh Congress Media Department, questioned the BJP-led government under Chief Minister Mohan Yadav over the reported increase in aircraft prices and the cost of customising their interiors.

“When regular air services are available, why did the government need to purchase such an expensive aircraft and a helicopter using public money?” Nayak asked in a statement.

According to Nayak, the state Cabinet approved the purchases on July 10, 2024. He claimed that the jet's reported cost increased from around Rs 234 crore to Rs 350 crore, while the helicopter's price rose from Rs 125 crore to Rs 225 crore.

He further alleged that approximately Rs 60 crore was spent on customising the jet's interiors and another Rs 20 crore on the helicopter's interiors.

The Congress leader sought a detailed account of expenditure on customs duty, Goods and Services Tax (GST), insurance and other associated costs. He also demanded the release of tender documents, procurement contracts and payment records to clarify the overall expenditure.

Congress questions spending priorities amid debt concerns

Nayak argued that the reported aircraft expenditure needed to be examined against the state's financial obligations and alleged delays in payments to beneficiaries and service providers.

He cited complaints concerning delayed social security pensions, pending honorarium payments to women's self-help groups involved in preparing mid-day meals, outstanding contractor payments and incomplete infrastructure projects.

“Public money should be spent on people's needs, not on facilities whose necessity and cost themselves raise serious questions,” he said.

The Congress leader questioned whether the expenditure was justified given the financial pressures facing the state and called for greater transparency in government spending.

Questions raised over drinking water project

Nayak also raised concerns about a Rs 3,200-crore drinking water scheme covering Satna and Maihar districts. He alleged that substantial funds had been withdrawn even as some villages continued to face water shortages.

He demanded details of the work completed under the project and a clear timeline for its completion.

Referring to allegations previously raised by Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari, Nayak also called for an impartial investigation into the aircraft procurement process. Patwari had alleged financial irregularities, including a purported Rs 100-crore commission, claims that have not been independently established in the statement.

The Congress has sought disclosure of the relevant financial and contractual records to clarify the aircraft purchases, the reported escalation in costs and the allegations surrounding the procurement process.