Should Governor Probe Alleged Irregularities in Tourism Dept E-Tenders?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Demand for Transparency: The call for a probe underscores the public's demand for accountability in government operations.
- Whistleblower's Role: Whistleblowers play a crucial role in exposing corruption and irregularities.
- Political Tensions: The situation reflects ongoing political tensions in West Bengal.
- Threats to Officials: Allegations of threats against honest officials raise concerns about the safety of those speaking out.
- Need for Action: The response of the government will be pivotal in addressing public trust issues.
Kolkata, June 5 (NationPress) The Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, has called upon Governor C.V. Ananda Bose to launch an investigation into purported irregularities within the e-tendering system of the state tourism directorate. This request follows disclosures made by a whistleblower from within the agency.
Adhikari referenced an email from Shubhabrata Pramanick, a project officer with the tourism directorate, directed to various media outlets.
In this correspondence, Pramanick accused the e-tender process of being manipulated to benefit select agencies, thus undermining both transparency and fairness.
Adhikari mentioned four agencies and two individuals who, as per the whistleblower, have reportedly profited from the compromised tenders for prominent events like the Red Road Carnival and the Kolkata Book Fair.
He further asserted that honest officials are being threatened and pressured to enable these irregularities while remaining silent.
"The citizens of Bengal deserve transparency and accountability, not a government that flourishes on corruption and intimidation," asserted Adhikari.
He also challenged Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to permit a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into this issue.
"If the Chief Minister genuinely champions clean governance, she must demonstrate this by ordering a CBI investigation. Her silence or inaction will only deepen public suspicion that corruption is ingrained in her administration," he added.
To date, there has been no formal response from the state government or the Trinamool Congress regarding these claims.
Meanwhile, the email acquired by IANS indicates that Pramanick possesses documentary proof to back his allegations and intends to disclose it at an opportune moment.
He also claimed to have faced threats of harassment for refusing to comply with directives to facilitate the manipulated tendering process.