New Delhi/Itanagar, April 6 (NationPress) Arunachal Pradesh's Chief Minister Pema Khandu expressed support for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry mandated by the Supreme Court and pledged complete collaboration with the agency.

In a related turn of events, the Opposition party, Congress, has called for the immediate resignation of the Chief Minister in light of the Supreme Court's ruling regarding the CBI investigation.

Upon this development, Khandu remarked that the inquiry would aid in “clearing the air” and reinforce transparency in governance. He stated, “We have nothing to conceal. The truth will be revealed.”

The Supreme Court mandated a preliminary inquiry while addressing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), instructing the CBI to investigate claims outlined in affidavits submitted to the court. A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N. V. Anjaria directed the agency to initiate the inquiry within two weeks and proceed in accordance with legal protocols.

This investigation will scrutinize alleged discrepancies in the awarding and execution of public works contracts from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2025.

The court clarified that the CBI is permitted to investigate transactions outside this timeframe if necessary to establish beneficial ownership, related-party connections, and financial flows.

Moreover, the court mandated an examination of procurement practices, tender approvals, cases of circumventing open tenders, and adherence to statutory requirements. The inquiry will also include a review of records related to payments, work orders, and project execution.

The CBI is required to submit a status report within 16 weeks, detailing whether a comprehensive investigation is justified.

The state government has been instructed to provide full cooperation, with the Chief Secretary obligated to appoint a nodal officer within a week to liaise with the agency.

The PIL was initiated by NGOs Save Mon Region Federation and Voluntary Arunachal Sena. Previously, in March of last year, the apex court had requested that the state government furnish detailed affidavits regarding awarded contracts and sought a report from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).

In December 2025, the court broadened the scope of the inquiry to include all districts, indicating that the issue extended beyond Tawang.

Meanwhile, the Congress party intensified its campaign, urging the Chief Minister to resign immediately. State Congress President Bosiram Siram characterized the Supreme Court's directive as a “serious indictment” of the state government.

He accused the administration of widespread corruption, nepotism, and abuse of power, claiming that contracts worth over Rs 1,270 crore were implicated.

“This showcases a gross betrayal of public trust and a stark violation of transparency and accountability,” Siram stated.

Urging for moral accountability, the Congress leader called upon Khandu to resign pending the inquiry's conclusion and demanded a transparent, timely investigation, ideally under judicial oversight to avert undue influence.