Itanagar, April 8 The BJP in Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday dismissed the Congress' demand for Chief Minister Pema Khandu's resignation, calling it premature and not based on any established legal principle.
The Congress raised the demand after the Supreme Court ordered a preliminary inquiry by the CBI into allegations surrounding the awarding of contracts to the CM's family members.
The state president of the ruling BJP, Kaling Moyong, said that the court's direction is part of the due judicial process and asserted that accountability must be determined through established legal procedures.
"No public official can be presumed guilty in the absence of established findings," Moyong said in a statement.
He said that the state government remains committed to extending full cooperation to the agency tasked with conducting the inquiry.
The BJP leader also cautioned against drawing conclusions or attributing motives before the completion of the legal process, stating that such actions could undermine institutional integrity.
The party also defended Khandu's leadership, stating that he has consistently discharged his duties in accordance with the Constitution and law.
Moyong highlighted the government's efforts over the years to enhance transparency, streamline public procurement systems, and improve governance standards.
Terming attempts to politicise the issue as "unfortunate", the party said converting an ongoing legal process into political insinuation does not contribute to fair and responsible democratic engagement.
The party expressed confidence that the process initiated under the Supreme Court's directions will bring clarity to the matter.
The Supreme Court on Monday directed the CBI to register a preliminary inquiry within two weeks into the awarding of contracts for public works in Arunachal Pradesh to firms allegedly owned by family members of the CM.
A bench headed by Justice Vikram Nath said the inquiry and consequential investigation, if any, shall cover the award and execution of public works, contracts and work orders in the state for the period from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2025.
The Congress has demanded that the chief minister resign on moral grounds to pave the way for a fair, impartial and transparent inquiry into the matter.
Welcoming the order, the CM has said his government has nothing to hide.
