The Madhya Pradesh Congress on Friday, 23 October 2026, questioned the Chief Minister Mohan Yadav-led state government's procurement of a jet aircraft and a helicopter at a reported combined cost of ₹575 crore, raising concerns about spending priorities amid the state's debt burden and alleged delays in social security pension payments and honorarium disbursements to women's self-help groups preparing Mid-Day Meals.

What the Congress Alleged

Madhya Pradesh Congress Media Department chairman Mukesh Nayak said the reported cost escalation in both aircraft and expenditure on their interiors raised serious questions about transparency. According to Nayak, the state Cabinet cleared the purchases on 10 July 2024. The jet's initial quoted price of around ₹234 crore reportedly climbed to ₹350 crore, while the helicopter's cost reportedly rose from ₹125 crore to ₹225 crore.

Nayak further claimed that approximately ₹60 crore was spent on customising the jet's interiors and ₹20 crore on the helicopter's interiors — figures he said had not been adequately explained to the public.

Demands for Transparency

Nayak demanded full disclosure of procurement contracts, payment records, and a breakup of additional expenditure including customs duty, GST, insurance, and ancillary components. He also called for the release of tender documents.

'When regular air services are available, why did the government need to purchase such an expensive aircraft and a helicopter using public money?' Nayak said in a statement.

He added: 'Public money should be spent on people's needs, not on facilities whose necessity and cost themselves raise serious questions.'

Broader Financial Concerns Raised

Beyond the aircraft purchase, Nayak cited complaints of delayed social security pensions and pending honorarium payments to women's groups involved in the Mid-Day Meal scheme. He also flagged pending contractor payments and stalled infrastructure projects across the state.

Nayak separately referred to a ₹3,200 crore drinking water scheme in Satna and Maihar, alleging that substantial funds had been drawn down while villages in those areas continued to face acute water shortages. He demanded an account of work completed and a firm deadline for the project's completion.

Commission Allegations and Investigation Demand

Nayak also noted that state Congress president Jitu Patwari had separately raised allegations of financial irregularities in the aircraft procurement, including a purported ₹100 crore commission. Patwari has reportedly demanded an impartial investigation into the matter.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Madhya Pradesh had not issued an official response to these allegations at the time of reporting. With the opposition intensifying scrutiny over public spending, the government is expected to face further pressure to disclose procurement details in the coming days.