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 through Government Resolutions on a single day instead of inviting tenders, in violation of the norms.
The alleged purchases relate to 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.
Former chief minister Prithviraj Chavan demanded an inquiry by either the CBI or Anti-Corruption Bureau into the alleged irregularities, which he described as serious.
"Somebody will have to explain. An investigation under the ACB or the CBI should be conducted. The CM will have to explain. This is very serious and suspicious. This is a complete fraud. The PM must answer," Chavan said.
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."
Munde, however, denied any wrong-doing.
In an emailed statement, she said, "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.
Pankaja, daughter of BJP's Maharashtra stalwart late Gopinath Munde, also said her family had gone through a lot of stress (following her father's death in a car crash) in the last two years and, as her son was not well, she had gone on a break to provide him "motherly touch".
An official in her department had said earlier the minister was out of India and was expected to return on June 28.
As per Maharashtra government's norms, any purchase above Rs 3 lakh has to be done through e-tendering.
