Did Bengal Minister Accuse CEO of Favoring Gujarat Firm in Tender Award?
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Synopsis
West Bengal's Minister Firhad Hakim raises alarms about favoritism in tender awards. Is it time for a closer look at local versus national interests in state contracts? Discover the implications behind this political controversy.
Key Takeaways
- Minister Firhad Hakim raised concerns about local firms being overlooked.
- The Kaliganj bypolls are critical for local political dynamics.
- Alifa Ahmed aims to build on her father's legacy.
- The contest involves strong candidates from major parties.
- Public sentiment may shift due to the tender controversy.
Kolkata, June 18 (NationPress) - The Minister for Municipal Affairs & Urban Development in West Bengal, Firhad Hakim, has raised serious concerns in the Assembly on Wednesday. He accused the state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of awarding a tender for election-related tasks to a company based in Gujarat, while dismissing the claims from local entities that also submitted bids.
The minister highlighted that the CEO's office had issued a tender for election-related work for the upcoming bypolls in the Kaliganj Assembly constituency.
“Numerous firms from West Bengal took part in the tendering process. Yet, the contract was granted to a Gujarat-based firm. What justifies the exclusion of local entities in such decisions?” Hakim queried.
The Kaliganj constituency is one of five that will face bypolls on Thursday, with vote counting set for June 23. The other four constituencies are located in Gujarat, Punjab, and Kerala.
The need for bypolls in Kaliganj arose due to the passing of Trinamool Congress legislator Nasiruddin Ahmed in February at the age of 70.
This Thursday's bypoll will involve a three-way contest among Trinamool Congress, BJP, and a Congress candidate backed by CPI(M).
Trinamool Congress has nominated Alifa Ahmed, the daughter of the late legislator, aiming to surpass her father's winning margin of 46,987 votes from 2021.
For the BJP, candidate Ashish Ghosh will focus on channeling public dissatisfaction into votes, leveraging his strong organizational skills and a clean image.
Congress candidate Kabil Uddin Shaikh aims to consolidate the remaining support from both Congress and the Left Front in Kaliganj.
Point of View
The allegations made by Minister Hakim highlight critical concerns regarding transparency and fairness in government contracts. The balance between regional interests and national firms needs careful navigation to maintain public trust in electoral processes.
NationPress
18/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the controversy regarding the tender award?
Minister Firhad Hakim accused the CEO of awarding a tender for election work to a Gujarat-based company, sidelining local firms.
Why are there bypolls in Kaliganj?
The bypolls were necessitated by the passing of Trinamool Congress legislator Nasiruddin Ahmed earlier this year.
Who are the candidates contesting in the bypoll?
The bypoll will see candidates from Trinamool Congress, BJP, and Congress, with a focus on local sentiments.
