Rs 575 Crore Jet and Chopper Deal Draws Congress Scrutiny

The Congress party in Madhya Pradesh has questioned the state government over the purchase of a jet and a helicopter worth a combined Rs 575 crore. The criticism came on Friday as the party linked the spending to the state's debt burden and delays in welfare payments.

The purchase, Congress said, has been made at a time when pensions and honorariums for women's groups who prepare mid-day meals are reportedly being delayed. The party argued that such decisions raise difficult questions about how public resources are being allocated.

Congress has demanded full disclosure of the purchase contracts, the payments made and any additional expenditure. It said citizens have a right to know how the money was spent.

Mukesh Nayak, head of the Madhya Pradesh Congress media department, said the rising cost of the aircraft and the money spent on their interiors had undermined transparency. He also raised doubts about the spending priorities of the government headed by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.

"If regular air services are available, why did the government have to buy such costly aircraft and a helicopter using public money?" Nayak questioned.

According to him, the state cabinet cleared the purchases on July 10, 2024. The jet's cost, initially estimated at about Rs 234 crore, went up to Rs 350 crore. The helicopter's price increased from Rs 125 crore to Rs 225 crore.

He claimed that around Rs 60 crore was spent on customising the jet's interior and Rs 20 crore on the helicopter's interior. Nayak sought a detailed account of customs duty, GST, insurance and other components, as well as tender documents, contracts and payment records.

Nayak also referred to complaints about delayed honorariums for women's groups and pension disbursements, saying the government's priorities needed urgent review.

He pointed to pending dues owed to contractors and incomplete infrastructure projects across the state. Public money, he said, should be spent on essential public needs.

In addition, Nayak mentioned a Rs 3,200 crore drinking water scheme in Satna and Maihar. He alleged that substantial funds had been withdrawn even though water shortages persist in villages, and he asked for details of the work completed and the deadlines for finishing the project.

He further stated that State Congress president Jitu Patwari has alleged financial irregularities in the aircraft purchase, including a Rs 100 crore commission, and has demanded an impartial investigation.