Maha Minister Munde accused of Rs 206 Cr scam, CM defends her

Maharashtra minister Pankaja Munde was today at the centre of a controversy with the Congress accusing her of involvement in a "scam" by clearing purchases worth Rs 206 crore on a single day instead of inviting tenders in violation of the norms.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, in a late evening statement, however, defended her.
The issue relates to purchases of a host of items including snacks, mats, dishes and books for children under the Integrated Child Development Services by the Women and Child Development Ministry which Munde heads.
While Munde, who is outside the country, denied any wrongdoing in an emailed statement, Fadnavis said, "Prima facie there appears to be no wrong-doing. If needed, we will probe the issue. Pankaja called me and she said she had not committed any irregularity and is ready to face any inquriy."

But Congress leader and former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan demanded an inquiry either by the CBI or the ACB.
Asked if he would demand Munde's resignation, Chavan said "Be it Pankaja Munde or Vinod Tawade (education minister caught in a row over educational qualification), this government would not remove anyone. After all, this the policy of the Modi government to brazen out all allegations."

Pankaja, daughter of the late BJP leader Gopinath Munde, said in her statement, "I feel I should be given a fair chance to present our side... I have very closely observed my decisions and taken best step as much as possible for my department."

Munde claimed she had not broken any rules and had taken some "dynamic decisions to reduce corruption".
"I m here to do the best for those kids n women n I will do...I will come bk n all set to answer since I m cofident of my decisions n intentions (sic).." she said.
An official in her department had said earlier she was expected to return on June 28.
As per government's norms, any purchase above Rs 3 lakh has to be done through e-tendering.