The Congress on Friday (January 9, 2026) accused the Union Home Ministry of bypassing standard tendering procedures in the procurement of tableaux for the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Gujarat, alleging that the process was designed to “deliberately favour” selected firms. The party also questioned the role of Pankaj Modi, brother of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in finalising the tableaux, and alleged Mr. Pankaj Modi received “out of turn” promotions and re-appointment in violation of service rules.
Addressing a press conference at the Congress office in Delhi, senior party leader and Gujarat MP Shaktisinh Gohil said that the Home Ministry had issued a circular stating that tableaux for ‘Ekta Parade’ would be procured only from five selected firms. Questioning the process, Mr. Gohil said, “How were these five selected? No tenders were floated, nor were any bids invited... just these five names. And why did they do this? In their circular, they say it was necessary considering the paucity of time.”
Mr. Gohil said the justification of lack of time was untenable, as preparations for the 150th birth anniversary celebrations had been under way for over a year. Shortage of time, he said, could be cited only in situations such as a natural calamity. He also claimed that two of the five firms were owned by a husband and wife, and alleged that most of the firms had common links.
