BJP calls for CAG probe into Maharashtra Sadan project

The BJP, on Tuesday, asked the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) to review the allocation of tenders for the New Maharashtra Sadan project. It also put water resources minister Sunil Tatkare in the firing line, and asked for a review of all irrigation projects approved by him.

The BJP, on Tuesday, asked the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) to review the allocation of tenders for the New Maharashtra Sadan project. It also put water resources minister Sunil Tatkare in the firing line, and asked for a review of all irrigation projects approved by him.

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Senior BJP leader Kirit Somaiya, who has been levelling allegations of graft and nepotism against public works minister Chhagan Bhujbal, met Comptroller and Auditor General Vinod Rai on Tuesday. "We have demanded a special audit on the construction of the New Maharashtra Sadan. I have also submitted documents running into 450 pages to show how both ministers used benami companies to amass huge sums of wealth,” Somaiya said after the meeting.

Somaiya has alleged that Bhujbal awarded the contract for redevelopment of the Maharashtra Sadan to a contractor in exchange for huge kickbacks [see box]. The BJP leader claims the kickbacks were made by way of investments of over Rs100 crore in companies owned by Bhujbal’s kin.

The Bhujbals, on Tuesday, claimed that all investments in their company were legal. “Investors have considered the potential of our projects and invested in them. They have made profitable investments… and have been issued shares,” said Sameer Bhujbal, owner of Parvesh Constructions, which is alleged to have profited from the deal.

Chhagan Bhujbal said Somaiya’s allegations that the family ran benami companies were unfounded. He said the companies whose addresses could not be traced “may have moved”.

“There are agencies that monitor any discrepancies related to companies and markets. There is nothing illegal about these transactions,” the minister said.