"We Will Never Allow Corruption in the Name of Gandhi Ji” – Congress Demands Transparency in Gandhi Mela Tender

Cachar District Congress staged a protest at the inauguration of the 73rd Gandhi Mela and Exhibition, questioning alleged corruption in the event’s management. Holding placards demanding transparency, the Congress leaders raised concerns over the tender process and accused the authorities of withholding key information. They asserted that corruption in the name of Mahatma Gandhi would not be tolerated.

On the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi’s 77th death anniversary, Congress members first paid homage by offering floral tributes at the Gandhi Mela ground. However, soon after, they launched their protest, highlighting various allegations against the administration and organisers of the event.

The leaders demanded that the work order agreement for the fair’s entertainment contract be made public. They alleged that municipal workers and local politicians were running a “syndicate of corruption” under the guise of the Gandhi Mela. Additionally, they questioned why the highest bidder for the tender was granted the work order only two days after rejecting the second-highest bidder without explanation.

Congress leaders, including District Congress President Abhijit Paul, Sajal Banik, Sanjib Roy, Ranadhir Debnath, and Women’s Congress President Bandita Dwivedi Roy, among others, actively participated in the protest. They carried placards with messages like “Why is no data regarding Gandhi Mela being revealed?” and “Stop corruption in the name of Gandhi Mela.”

Sajal Banik questioned why a committee had not been formed to oversee the fair’s smooth execution. He clarified that Congress was not demanding inclusion in the committee but pointed out that even BJP had capable individuals who could ensure transparency. He stressed that, in the absence of a municipality board, involving Silchar’s citizens in the event’s management was crucial.

District Congress President Abhijit Paul criticised the lack of transparency, stating that even after questioning the Silchar Municipality’s executive officer, they received no response regarding the tender process.

“Gandhi Ji is a symbol of purity. How can such corruption take place in his name? Today marks the start of the Gandhi Mela, yet the authorities cannot even provide basic details like who got the tender and at what cost. Where is the work order? Why is the data being hidden?” Paul questioned.

He reaffirmed Congress’s stand against corruption, demanding full disclosure of the tender details. “We will never allow corruption in the name of Gandhi Ji,” he declared.