Opposition Congress in Gujarat has stepped up the demand for action against minister of state for panchayats Bachu Khabad whose two sons have been arrested in an alleged scam running into Rs 71 crore under MNREGA scheme in Dahod.
Months after they evaded arrest, Khabad’s sons Balwant and Kiran were arrested a few days ago by the police. The firms they are associated with were given contracts despite not being the lowest bidders.
Shaktisinh Gohil, Gujarat Congress president and Rajya MP, told media persons in Ahmedabad on Friday that the party demands Khabad be not only sacked as a minister but also as a primary member of the Bharatiya Janata Party. The Congress leader further added that this should be done if the BJP is against corruption.
“We do not need his resignation,” Gohil remarked, questioning how can a fair probe be conducted against Khabad’s sons when the police salute him.
Gohil demanded a CBI inquiry in the matter under the supervision of a sitting High Court judge.
He said that the Congress leaders have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to meet him and give details of the scam. Modi is visiting Dahod to attend a programme on May 26.
The Congress leader also said that chief minister Bhupendra Patel, who would be with the PM, should put a word to the latter that the Congress leaders be allowed to meet him. They (the leaders) are not terrorists, Gohil remarked.
He said that in the days to come, the Congress party will take out “Search Development” yatra in Dahod. Gohil told Vibes of India that in schemes such as MNREGA and “Nal se Jal” there are several instances where the amount has been utilised but the developmental works have remained on paper.
Gohil further said that the Congress will also collate details of such schemes from all over the state and give it to the officers concerned.
The Congress had also set up a fact-finding committee in Dahod case. The party shared the report with the media.
Recently, C R Paatil, Gujarat BJP president and union minister, was quoted saying that the party would think about it (read action) if Khabad’s name emerges in the investigation. Defending himself, Khabad has been saying that they are cooperating with the police in the investigation.
Amit Chavda, opposition leader in the state assembly, and other Congress leaders have been for long raising the issue of corruption in MNREGA scheme in Dahod. According to Chavda, Rs 71 crore scam has come to light from three places. If a proper inquiry is done then the amount in the scam can touch Rs 250 crore.
Arvind Kejriwal led Aam Aadmi Party too has demanded action against Khabad. In fact, it has also alleged that some Congress leaders too are involved and that should also be probed.
Meanwhile, Chavda on Friday alleged that a scam has taken place in the MNREGA scheme in Panchmahals as well. He told media persons that Jambughoda in Panchmahals has become an epicentre of corruption when it comes to developmental works.
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