Madhya Pradesh Aircraft Purchase: Congress Questions Rs 575 Crore Jet and Helicopter Deal Amid State Debt

The Congress on Friday questioned the Madhya Pradesh government's purchase of a jet and a helicopter at a reported combined cost of Rs 575 crore amid the state's debt burden. The party also cited alleged delays in social security pensions and honorarium payments to women's groups preparing Mid-Day Meals, and demanded disclosure of the procurement contracts, payments and additional expenditure.

Madhya Pradesh Congress Media Department chairman Mukesh Nayak said the reported increase in the prices of the aircraft and the expenditure on their interiors raised questions about transparency and the Chief Minister Mohan Yadav led government's spending priorities.

What Did Mukesh Nayak Ask About the Aircraft Purchase?

Nayak asked why, when regular air services are available, the government needed to purchase such an expensive aircraft and a helicopter using public money. He said the state Cabinet had approved the purchases on July 10, 2024.

According to Nayak, the jet's initial cost of around Rs 234 crore reportedly rose to Rs 350 crore, while the helicopter's price increased from Rs 125 crore to Rs 225 crore. He claimed that around Rs 60 crore was spent on the customisation of the jet's interiors and Rs 20 crore on the helicopter's interiors, and demanded details of expenditure on customs duty, GST, insurance and other components, along with tender documents, contracts and payment records. These figures are the Congress leader's claims and have not been independently verified.

What Other Spending Did Congress Flag?

Questioning the BJP government's priorities amid Madhya Pradesh's debt burden, Nayak cited complaints of delays in social security pensions and honorarium payments to women's groups preparing Mid-Day Meals. He also flagged pending contractor payments and incomplete infrastructure projects, saying public money should be spent on people's needs, not on facilities whose necessity and cost themselves raise serious questions.

Nayak also referred to the Rs 3,200 crore drinking water scheme in Satna and Maihar, alleging that substantial funds had been withdrawn while villages continued to face water shortages. He demanded details of the work completed and a deadline for the project's completion.

What Has Jitu Patwari Alleged?

Nayak said state Congress president Jitu Patwari had also raised allegations of financial irregularities in the aircraft purchase, including a purported Rs 100 crore commission, and demanded an impartial investigation into the deal.

The Madhya Pradesh government's response to the Congress allegations was not part of the reports reviewed. The allegations, including the cost figures and the commission claim, remain the opposition party's charges until official records are made public.