The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has expressed concern about the alleged involvement of Nityanand Gond, the Odisha Minister for ST and SC Development, Minorities, and Backward Classes Welfare, in a bribery case. This case revolves around the Bridge and Roof Company (India) Limited and a controversial contract worth Rs 37 crore.
Concerns Raised by BJD Leaders
On Thursday, party leaders gathered to discuss the issue. Former minister Ramesh Majhi and ex-MP Pradip Majhi led the charge. They questioned why Minister Nityanand Gond, despite being the head of the department, has not been summoned for an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The CBI is examining the awarding of a substantial contract under Gond’s department.
Ramesh Majhi highlighted that Bishnupada Sethi, the former principal secretary of the ST and SC Development department, is already being scrutinized by the CBI. Sethi allegedly awarded the contract to the central public sector enterprise. However, both Majhi and Pradip Majhi argued that such a significant contract could not have been approved by a principal secretary alone. They believe that approval from the minister or even the cabinet would have been necessary.
Legal and Procedural Aspects
According to party leaders, any contract exceeding Rs 20 crore must receive state cabinet approval. This rule ensures that principal secretaries cannot act independently in awarding such significant contracts. The BJD leaders maintain that larger projects, including those awarded to Bridge and Roof Company (India) Limited, require the minister’s direct involvement or the knowledge of the Chief Minister.
Given the magnitude of the contract in question, the BJD leaders insist that Nityanand Gond should be included in the investigation. They argue it is crucial for him to resign until the CBI investigation is complete.
CBI’s Recent Actions
The situation escalated when a CBI team visited the ST and SC, Minorities & Backward Classes Development department office in Bhubaneswar on Thursday. Reportedly, the team spent over an hour discussing the case with department officials. This visit signifies that the investigation is progressing and that the CBI is taking the allegations seriously.
Accusations and Political Implications
The controversy stems from accusations that the Rs 37 crore contract for these large projects was awarded under questionable circumstances. The CBI is focusing on possible bribery and irregularities in the contracting process. These allegations have raised serious concerns about transparency and governance within the department.
The BJD’s call to expand the investigation to include the minister highlights the political sensitivity of this case. The opposition is pushing for accountability, particularly at the highest levels of government. If the CBI’s investigation extends to include the minister, it could have significant political implications.
Broader Questions on Governance
This case opens up discussions about broader governance issues. It raises questions about transparency in awarding large government contracts. Many want to know if political figures are complicit in any wrongdoing. The focus on accountability is growing, especially in light of upcoming elections in the state.
As the investigation unfolds, the political landscape in Odisha may change. The outcomes could impact the BJD’s standing and the minister’s future in politics. With elections approaching, all eyes are on the actions of the CBI and how they handle this high-profile case.
