Bribery Allegations Against MP Minister Deemed Baseless Amidst Political Uproar
Madhya Pradesh's PHE Department dismisses bribery charges against Minister Sampatiya Uike, calling them fabricated. Accusations, including a Rs. 1000 crore commission from the Jal Jeevan Mission funds, spark political turmoil with demands for her resignation and a CBI inquiry by the Congress. Uike refutes accusations, alleging harassment.

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The Madhya Pradesh Public Health Engineering Department has categorically denied bribery allegations against state minister Sampatiya Uike, labeling them as unfounded and driven by malicious motives. The state's Jansampark department, after reviewing all relevant facts and departmental procedures, concluded that the accusations lack substance and are intended to mislead.
Minister Uike faced serious financial misconduct allegations related to the Jal Jeevan Mission funds from the Indian Government. Former MLA Kishore Samrite accused her of extracting a Rs 1000 crore 'commission' from the Rs 30,000 crore central fund allocated for the state. Samrite has formally approached the Prime Minister's office regarding these claims.
Defending herself, Minister Uike described the allegations as false and vexatious, asserting her innocence and readiness for any investigation. She emphasized her commitment to public service, detailing her background as a tribal woman from a humble working-class. Uike criticized the ongoing harassment and trusted the Chief Minister's awareness of the situation.
The controversy intensified as Congress leaders, deeming the scandal as grave corruption, urged Minister Uike's resignation and demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe. Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari announced plans to write to the Prime Minister, underscoring alleged systemic corruption and questioning the ruling party's moral integrity.
In response, the BJP-led state government refuted the claims, with the Public Health Engineering Department's official report dismissing the allegations against Minister Uike. The department's Chief Engineer confirmed the baselessness of the charges through a factual report shared via social media.
(With inputs from agencies.)