Storm in a teacup: Cong dismisses CMO statement on expenditure

The 'tea scam' pot kept boiling in Maharashtra with the Congress today writing to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and questioning the government's clarification on the expenses incurred on tea and snacks in the CMO.

Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam wrote to Fadnavis today, saying that the information obtained under Right to Information and the government's clarification do not match.

"The chief minister says this is overall expenditure on bouquets, shawls and coconuts given during felicitations, whereas the RTI specifically gave details of expenditure on tea and snacks," he said.

Seeking an "internal inquiry", Nirupam said, "The response of the chief minister is full of loopholes and lies.

"A former Congress chief minister said tea and snacks expenses of the CMO have always been in lakhs. Then how did they rise to Rs 3.4 crore during 2017-18 from Rs 58 lakh during 2015-16?" the former MP said.

Meanwhile, speaking at an event in Pune, NCP chief Sharad Pawar said, "I have been the chief minister four times but I was surprised when I heard news about the huge amount spent on tea and snacks."