Congress seeks high-level probe into alleged dominance of select firms in MP liquor tenders

Bhopal, Aug 22 (SocialNews.XYZ) Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari has sought an independent, high-level probe into the alleged dominance of a few select companies in liquor tenders in the state, claiming that four groups control nearly 70 per cent of the market.

In a letter to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, Patwari demanded an audit of major liquor tenders in 33 districts from 2012-13 to 2026-27 and sought disclosure of the complete bidding and selection process.

Patwari alleged that a handful of companies have maintained their influence over the liquor trade for years and that the same firms have repeatedly secured tenders in several districts. “If these facts are correct, this cannot be dismissed as a mere coincidence. It raises serious questions about the transparency and fairness of the entire tender system,” Patwari wrote in his letter.

He questioned the effectiveness of the online tendering system, saying the government must explain why similar patterns continued despite the introduction of digital bidding. The Congress leader also referred to action by the Competition Commission of India and the alleged disruption of the earlier pattern in 2022.

He said if a similar trend had emerged again, it warranted an impartial investigation. Patwari questioned whether the government was protecting the interests of liquor businesses that generate thousands of crores of rupees in revenue or safeguarding the state's revenue and public interest.

“The government’s responsibility is not to protect any business group but to ensure fair competition and protect the state's revenue and public interest,” he said.

The Congress leader demanded that the government make public details of companies that secured tenders in various districts, the number of years they continued to receive contracts, the bids submitted by participating firms, their eligibility and the basis for final selection.

He also sought an investigation into whether any company or group had influenced competition in the liquor market. Patwari further sought an assessment of the difference between the actual revenue earned by the state through liquor tenders in previous years and the revenue that could have been generated through more competitive bidding.

“If the tender process has been completely transparent and fair, the government should have no hesitation in making all facts and documents public,” he said.

Source: IANS