Maharashtra Minister Pankaja Munde was on Wednesday at the centre of a controversy, with the Congress accusing her of involvement in a “chikki scam” by clearing purchases worth ₹206 crore through Government Resolutions on a single day instead of inviting tenders, in violation of the norms.

The purchases relate to a host of items including snacks, mats, dishes and books for children under the Integrated Child Development Services by the Women and Child Development Ministry, which she heads.

Former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan demanded an inquiry by either the CBI or Anti-Corruption Bureau into the alleged irregularities, which he described as serious. “Somebody will have to explain. An investigation under the ACB or the CBI should be conducted. The CM will have to explain. This is very serious and suspicious. The PM must answer,” he said.

Asked if he would demand Munde’s resignation, Chavan said: “Be it Pankaja Munde or Vinod Tawade (Education Minister caught in a row over educational qualification), this government would not remove anyone. After all, the policy of the Modi government is to brazen out all allegations.”

Munde, however, denied any wrong-doing. In an emailed statement, she said: “I feel I should be given a fair chance to present our side... I have very closely observed my decisions and taken best step as much as possible for my department.”

Pankaja, daughter of late BJP leader Gopinath Munde, claimed she had not broken any rules and had taken some “dynamic decisions to reduce corruption”.

As per Maharashtra government’s norms, any purchase above ₹3 lakh has to be done through e-tendering.

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