Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh has questioned the continuation of Pema Khandu as Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister amid an ongoing Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into government contracts.
Ramesh raised the issue on September 18 and questioned why Khandu remains in office while the investigation continues. He also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the matter.
The Congress leader referred to a Supreme Court order directing a CBI inquiry into contracts worth around ₹1,270 crore. The contracts relate to Khandu’s tenure as Arunachal Pradesh’s Public Works Department (PWD) minister.
Jairam Ramesh Questions Khandu’s Continuation
Ramesh said Khandu should have resigned or been asked to step down following the Supreme Court’s intervention.
He made the remarks in a post on X while commenting on the ongoing investigation. Ramesh alleged that the case raises questions about political accountability.
The Congress leader also criticised the Prime Minister over Khandu’s continued tenure. He contrasted the situation with the Modi government’s stated position on corruption.
Ramesh’s comments represent the Congress party’s political criticism of the Arunachal Pradesh government. The allegations themselves remain subject to the ongoing investigation and judicial proceedings.
Supreme Court Ordered CBI Investigation
The controversy centres on government contracts issued during Khandu’s tenure as PWD minister.
According to Ramesh, the Supreme Court ordered the CBI to investigate contracts worth approximately ₹1,270 crore. He alleged that the contracts involved members of Khandu’s family.
The Supreme Court’s involvement has brought the matter under judicial scrutiny. The CBI is examining the allegations as part of the investigation.
The allegations should not be treated as established wrongdoing unless confirmed through the investigation or subsequent judicial proceedings.
Congress Raises Questions Over Government’s Response
Ramesh also questioned the response of the Arunachal Pradesh government to the CBI investigation.
According to his statement, the CBI informed the Supreme Court that the state government was not fully cooperating with the inquiry. Ramesh claimed that the Supreme Court had summoned senior state government officials on August 3.
He further referred to observations made by the Supreme Court on August 24. According to Ramesh, the court noted that the state government had supplied large volumes of documents instead of providing the specific records requested by investigators.
These claims form part of Ramesh’s criticism of the state government’s handling of the investigation.
Next Court Hearing Scheduled for September 25
The legal proceedings remain active.
Ramesh said the next hearing in the matter is scheduled for September 25. The upcoming hearing could provide further direction on the CBI investigation and the production of documents.
The court proceedings will also help clarify the status of the investigation and the issues raised before the Supreme Court.
Until the judicial process concludes, allegations against individuals involved in the case remain allegations.
Pema Khandu Continues as Arunachal Chief Minister
Pema Khandu remains the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh.
He has served as Chief Minister since 2016, with a brief change in political circumstances during the state’s earlier political developments. He later returned to office and continued as the head of the state government.
Khandu currently leads the BJP government in Arunachal Pradesh. Recent government activities show him continuing to perform his duties as Chief Minister.
On September 17, for example, Khandu launched the state-wide Swachhta Hi Seva 2026 campaign in Itanagar. He also recently addressed concerns surrounding the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project.
Khandu Addresses Siang Project Concerns
The Chief Minister has also remained active on issues related to the proposed 11,000 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project.
On September 17, Khandu said the state government had not used forceful military deployment to advance the project. He urged groups opposing the project to engage with the administration through dialogue.
Khandu said he planned to visit Siang and Upper Siang districts to meet residents, village elders and groups opposing the project.
His comments came separately from the contract-related CBI investigation.
Wider Political Questions in Arunachal
The latest controversy adds to political criticism surrounding the Arunachal Pradesh government.
Congress leaders have recently raised concerns about several issues involving the state government. These include allegations related to government contracts and questions surrounding developments in Arunachal’s border areas.
The Indian Youth Congress also criticised Khandu earlier this month over reports concerning alleged Chinese People’s Liberation Army activity near the Taksing area. Khandu has previously rejected reports of Chinese encroachment and said he would speak with local residents and the Army.
These issues remain separate from the CBI investigation into government contracts.
BJP Government Faces Opposition Scrutiny
The Congress has continued to scrutinise the BJP-led government in Arunachal Pradesh.
Ramesh’s latest statement specifically targeted Khandu’s continuation in office. He also questioned the Centre’s position towards the Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister.
His criticism comes as the Supreme Court-monitored investigation moves forward. The Congress is using the issue to raise broader questions about accountability and transparency.
The BJP and the Arunachal Pradesh government’s position on the allegations would be relevant to any complete assessment of the dispute. The ongoing legal process will also determine the factual findings of the investigation.
Allegations Remain Under Investigation
The case involves serious allegations concerning contracts issued during Khandu’s tenure as PWD minister. However, the CBI investigation has not itself established guilt.
The Supreme Court continues to oversee aspects of the proceedings. The next hearing on September 25 is expected to provide further clarity on the investigation.
The distinction between allegations, investigative findings and final judicial conclusions remains important in the case.
Political Debate Continues
Jairam Ramesh’s remarks have brought renewed political attention to Pema Khandu’s position as Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister.
The Congress has questioned why Khandu continues in office while the CBI investigates the contract allegations. Ramesh has also criticised the Prime Minister and the Centre over their handling of the issue.
Khandu, meanwhile, continues to discharge his responsibilities as Chief Minister and has remained active on state policy and development issues.
With the Supreme Court scheduled to hear the matter again on September 25, attention is now focused on the next stage of the investigation and the court’s directions. The outcome of the legal proceedings will determine how the allegations develop from this point forward.