Kolkata, 05 June (H.S.): West Bengal Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari has urged Governor C.V. Ananda Bose to initiate an independent probe into alleged irregularities in the e-tendering process of the state tourism directorate. The demand follows explosive claims made by Shubhabrata Pramanik, a project officer within the department.

In emails reportedly sent to several media outlets, Pramanik alleged that the department's e-tendering system was manipulated to benefit select agencies, undermining the principles of transparency and fairness. He claimed to possess documentary evidence to support his allegations, which he stated he would release at an appropriate time.

According to Adhikari, the tenders in question are related to major state-sponsored events such as the Red Road Carnival and the Kolkata Book Fair. He named four agencies and two individuals who he alleges profited from the alleged rigging.

He also accused the department of intimidating honest officials and coercing them to stay silent or participate in the irregularities. “Those who refuse to cooperate are facing harassment,” Pramanik reportedly said in his email, further accusing the department's minister, Indranil Sen, of direct involvement in the wrongdoing.

In a public statement, Adhikari challenged Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to order a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter if she truly believes in transparent governance. “The people of Bengal deserve accountability, not a regime that thrives on threats and corruption. The CM’s silence or inaction will only reinforce public suspicion that corruption is deeply embedded in her administration,” he said.

As of now, neither the state government nor the Trinamool Congress has issued an official response to the allegations.

Pramanik has stated his willingness to make the evidence public and reiterated that he was pressured to manipulate the tender process under threat of departmental harassment.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh