Congress alleges irregularities in Sardar Patel’s 150th birth anniversary tableaux procurement

The Congress party on Friday launched a stinging critique against the Union Home Ministry, alleging significant irregularities and a lack of transparency in the procurement of tableaux for Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 150th birth anniversary celebrations in Gujarat.

Addressing a press conference at the AICC headquarters, senior leader and Gujarat MP Shaktisinh Gohil claimed that the ministry bypassed standard open tendering processes to favor a select group of five firms for the ‘Ekta Parade.’

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Gohil dismissed the government’s justification of a “paucity of time,” noting that preparations had been underway for over a year, and suggested that the restriction was a deliberate move to benefit specific entities, some of which reportedly share common ownership or familial links.

Central to the controversy is the appointment of Pankaj Modi, brother of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as an “expert” tasked with finalizing the tableaux designs at a daily remuneration of 10,000.

Gohil questioned the criteria for this appointment and the sweeping authority granted to a single individual. He further detailed a history of alleged service rule violations during Pankaj Modi’s tenure in the Gujarat Information Department, claiming he received rapid, non-compliant promotions and an irregular indefinite re-appointment following his retirement in 2016.

While Gohil stated that Congress generally avoids involving the families of political opponents, he argued that the clear misuse of authority and public funds in this instance made the matter one of significant public interest that demanded accountability.