Rethink CBI probe in NH scam or we’ll reconsider projects, Gadkari to U’khand

roads minister Nitin Gadkari cautioned last month that he might be forced to “re-examine” all new projects in Uttarakhand if the state does not reconsider its order for a CBI probe into a national highways scam.

For his part, Rawat said on Tuesday that his government will not withdraw the decision.

The conflicting stands of the BJP-led Union and state governments could disrupt and delay highway projects in Uttarakhand that require good roads to strengthen tourism, the hill state’s economic mainstay.

The alleged financial scandal in land acquisition for the ₹4,000-crore National Highway 74 project surfaced during the Congress rule in the state.

The BJP accused Congress leaders of corruption and promised a CBI probe during its campaign for the assembly polls this January and February.

After the BJP’s landslide victory, chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat ordered an investigation by the central agency.

The decision put Gadkari in a fix as the CBI summoned National Highway Development Authority (NHAI) officials for questioning.

In a letter to Rawat on April 5, he warned that the state’s actions are “bound to have adverse impact on the morale of the officers and would impede execution of projects”.

“In this background, we would have to re-examine the usefulness of taking up more projects in the state,” he wrote, asking Rawat to take “immediate corrective measures”.

Gadkari’s letter gave the opposition Congress the opportunity to accuse the Union minister of trying to protect corrupt officials.

UTTARAKHAND CHIEF MINISTER TRIVENDRA SINGH RAWAT STOOD BY HIS DECISION AND SAID THAT HIS GOVERNMENT WILL NOT WITHDRAW THE PROBE