New Delhi, April 6 The Congress on Monday criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the Supreme Court directed the CBI to launch an initial investigation into contracts allegedly awarded to Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu's family members, saying that the claim of "Na khaunga, na khane doonga" ("I will not steal, I will not allow others to steal") has been a "complete hoax" which is now being exposed.
The opposition party said this is just the beginning, and that several other BJP chief ministers are also involved in similar practices, "including at least one soon-to-be former chief minister from the Northeast".
The Congress's criticism came after the Supreme Court directed the CBI to register an initial inquiry within two weeks into the awarding of public works contracts in Arunachal Pradesh to firms allegedly owned by the chief minister's family members.
A bench headed by Justice Vikram Nath said the inquiry and any subsequent investigation should cover the awarding and execution of public works, contracts, and work orders in the state from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2025.
Responding to the development, Congress general secretary in charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh, said, "The Supreme Court has just directed the CBI to launch an initial inquiry into contracts allegedly awarded to the family members of the Arunachal Pradesh CM."
"This is just the beginning. Several other BJP chief ministers are also involved in similar practices – including at least one soon-to-be former chief minister from the Northeast. The claim of 'Na khaunga, na khane doonga' has been a complete hoax – one that is now being exposed," Ramesh said on X.
The opposition has often referred to PM Modi's pledge to eliminate corruption – "Na khaunga, na khane doonga" – and has criticized him, alleging that it was merely rhetoric.
The Supreme Court bench has directed the CBI to file a status report before it in the matter within 16 weeks.
"The CBI shall register a preliminary enquiry (PE) within two weeks from the date of the judgment and will proceed in accordance with the law," Justice Nath said while pronouncing the order.
The top court had on February 17 reserved its order in the matter.
During the hearing in the matter, the apex court was told that government contracts and work orders worth around Rs 1,270 crore were awarded in the last 10 years in Arunachal Pradesh to four firms related to the family members of Khandu.