Aizawl: The Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) on Friday alleged that the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM)-led government has extensively used restricted tenders and departmental execution of works, despite having earlier criticised the practice while in opposition.
The allegations were made by former MLA and MPCC Political Affairs Committee member Zothansanga during a political session held at Congress Bhavan’s Golden Hall in Aizawl.
Addressing party workers, Zothansanga said 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.
Turning his criticism towards the present ZPM government, Zothansanga said the party had, while in opposition, accused the MNF government of violating financial rules through restricted tenders and had promised to end the practice if voted to power. He said the party’s election manifesto had also 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. He claimed that projects worth Rs 957.17 crore received blanket approval and that contracts worth Rs 986.71 crore had subsequently been awarded through this process.
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.
The Congress leader 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.
Zothansanga 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.
On the issue of Lengpui Airport, he urged the state government to expedite the transfer of the airport to the Airports Authority of India (AAI), arguing that the move was necessary to facilitate future expansion. He referred to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s assurance during his March 2025 visit that the process would be completed within months and said the delay should be addressed.
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter – stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure – just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
Zothansanga also criticised 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.
Also Read | Seventeen years: Why are taxpayers financing armed groups in Manipur?