Revelation of a staggering expenditure incurred by the previous Congress government on air travel during the budget session of the Chhattisgarh state assembly has triggered a veritable controversy in the state.

The disclosure by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai of Rs. 300 crore travel expenses under the regime of his predecessor unleashed a flurry of accusations and counterclaims across party lines.

During the assembly session, MLA Rajesh Munat raised questions regarding the expenditure on air transportation, specifically focusing on the period between January 1, 2019, and November 2023 by the previous congress government in the state. In response, the Chief Minister’s Office disclosed the extensive utilisation of official and private helicopters, as well as chartered planes, during the tenure of the Congress government.

According to the data presented, the previous government, under Bhupesh Baghel’s leadership spent a substantial sum on air travel. Private helicopters, rented for official purposes, accounted for nearly INR 190 crore while private charter planes incurred costs of approximately INR 73.65 crore for governmental travel and trips.

The cumulative expenditure on air transportation stood at a staggering INR 298.65 crore during this period.

The expenses mainly involved hiring aircraft from various private agencies located in Delhi, Gurgaon, and Raipur. Notable agencies included Blackbird Aviation Private Limited Raipur, Ossair Management Private Limited Delhi, Air King Charter Private Limited Delhi, Dhillon Navigation Private Limited Gurgaon Haryana, India Fly Safe Aviation Limited New Delhi, and Wings Aviation Private Limited Hyderabad.

Response to the allegation of extravaganza, senior Chhattisgarh Congress leader and PCC spokesperson Sushil Anand Shukla defended the expenditure highlighting the demands and responsibilities incumbent upon the then chief minister.

Shukla emphasised that the CM’s extensive travel across the state was essential for public welfare initiatives and governance. Pointing out that similar expenses occurred during the tenure of the previous BJP regime under Dr. Raman Singh, he advised the incumbent BJP government against politicising the issue.

State Minister of Sports and Youth Welfare Tank Ram Verma strongly criticised the former Congress government for allegedly squandering public funds. He condemned the utilisation of taxpayer’s money on what he perceives as a hedonistic indulgence by the previous government.

Verma said such misuse of public funds reflects a disregard for the hard work and contributions of the citizens of Chhattisgarh. He asserted that the electorate of Chhattisgarh is determined to hold the Congress party accountable for the same in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections and would express their dissatisfaction with the misuse of public funds by casting their votes against the Congress.

The disclosure of exorbitant air travel has sparked a heated debate in the state’s political circles. As the issue gains traction, calls for transparency and accountability in government spending resonate louder.