The Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) has accused the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM)-led government of extensively using restricted tenders and departmental execution of works, despite having criticized the practice while in opposition. Former MLA and MPCC Political Affairs Committee member Zothansanga made the allegations during a political session held at Congress Bhavan’s Golden Hall in Aizawl. Zothansanga claimed that the Congress government had resorted to restricted tenders only when necessary and denied allegations that the party had misused the system.
He contrasted this with the previous Mizo National Front (MNF) government, alleging that restricted tenders worth Rs 8,621.25 crore were awarded in the Public Works Department and Sports Department alone. He further alleged that contracts worth more than Rs 211.91 crore were awarded to two firms linked to the then Chief Minister’s family. The Congress leader also criticized the ZPM government for allegedly reneging on its promise to end the practice of restricted tenders.
He said the party’s election manifesto had pledged greater transparency in government contracting and stated that only registered contractors would be entrusted with government works. However, he alleged that soon after assuming office, the government empanelled 328 consultancy firms and issued orders allowing works to be executed through restricted tenders and departmental mechanisms with the approval of the Chief Minister. According to Zothansanga, the Congress has so far examined 14 major government departments, while the remaining departments are yet to be scrutinised.
He claimed that the review found works worth Rs 46,369.86 crore had been awarded through restricted tenders, while departmental execution accounted for another Rs 9,106.47 crore, bringing the total value of such works to Rs 55,476.33 crore. Zothansanga also questioned the state’s borrowing, claiming that the government had borrowed Rs 5,503.31 crore as of February 20, 2026, and asked whether a significant portion of these borrowings was being used to finance projects awarded through restricted tenders. He further alleged that contractors from outside Mizoram had been awarded contracts that could have been executed by local contractors, stating that eight out of 16 such works could have been undertaken by Mizo contractors.
The Congress leader also referred to previous allegations regarding irregularities in the sale of timber. While the government had clarified the issue after concerns were raised, he cited an Assembly reply which, according to him, stated that Rs 3.85 crore had been collected from timber sales across 10 districts. The Congress leader also raised concerns about the Lengpui Airport, urging the state government to expedite the transfer of the airport to the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
He also criticized recent remarks linking anti-conversion laws to the Congress, stating that such laws are currently in force in 13 states governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He further called on Mizoram’s Members of Parliament to oppose any proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) that, according to him, could adversely affect churches and civil society organisations. The Congress leader also defended the party’s proposed revival of the New Land Use Policy (NLUP), saying the scheme had previously faced opposition from several political parties despite benefiting the people of the state.
