Itanagar, Apr 6: Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bosiram Siram on Monday demanded the immediate resignation of the Chief Minister after the Supreme Court of India ordered a preliminary inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into alleged irregularities in the allotment of public contracts.
The apex court has tasked the CBI with completing the preliminary inquiry and submitting its report within 16 weeks to determine whether a full-fledged investigation is warranted. The probe will examine contracts awarded between January 2015 and December 2025, with scope for expansion if required.
The court has also directed the state government to fully cooperate with the investigation, provide all relevant records within four weeks, and ensure that no documents related to the case are destroyed. Additionally, a nodal officer will be appointed to facilitate coordination with the CBI. The petitioners, represented by senior advocate Prashant Bhushan, have alleged that contracts were awarded to firms linked to the Chief Minister and his relatives.
Welcoming the apex court’s directive, the APCC president described it as a “landmark intervention” and a serious indictment of the BJP-led government in the state. He alleged that the inquiry pertains to contracts reportedly worth over Rs 1,270 crore, which were awarded to individuals linked to the Chief Minister, calling it a “gross betrayal of public trust” and raising concerns of corruption, nepotism, and abuse of power.
Siram stated that he had consistently raised the issue of alleged diversion of public resources to benefit a select few, and claimed that the Supreme Court’s order has now vindicated those concerns. He further criticised the government’s stance on corruption, saying that claims of “zero tolerance” stand contradicted in light of the developments.
In view of the gravity of the allegations, the APCC chief called for the Chief Minister’s resignation on moral grounds, pending the outcome of the investigation. He also demanded a free, fair, and time-bound probe under judicial monitoring to ensure transparency and prevent any undue influence.
Expressing concern over the possible misuse of public institutions to favour individuals with close familial and political ties, Siram said such practices undermine democratic governance and erode public trust.
He also urged strict compliance with the court’s directions, including preservation of all official records and full cooperation with the investigating agency.
Reiterating the party’s stand, Siram asserted that no individual, regardless of position, is above the law. He affirmed APCC’s commitment to upholding accountability and transparency, adding that the party would intensify its outreach across the state to mobilize public opinion against corruption and misuse of power.