In a fresh political flashpoint, the Opposition parties in Maharashtra have alleged a ₹3,000-crore scam involving the state government and Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd (MEIL). Addressing a joint press conference in Mumbai, leaders from the Congress, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Shiv Sena (UBT) claimed that the Eknath Shinde-led government has shown “clear preference” towards MEIL while awarding key infrastructure projects, ignoring tender norms and competitive bidding processes.
Allegations of Manipulated Tendering
Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan alleged that tenders were designed to suit MEIL in projects related to water supply, tunnel works, and urban infrastructure. He said:
“We have strong documentary evidence indicating that eligibility conditions were tailor-made to suit Megha Engineering. Companies with superior experience and lower quotes were disqualified on technical grounds without justification.”
The Opposition cited specific examples, including tunnel projects under the Mumbai Coastal Road, pipeline works in Marathwada, and water grid projects in Vidarbha.
Key Projects Awarded to MEIL in Maharashtra (2022-2025)
| Project Name | Sector | Value (₹ crore) | Award Year | Competing Firms Disqualified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai Coastal Road twin tunnels | Urban transport | 1,200 | 2022 | L&T, Afcons Infrastructure |
| Marathwada Water Grid Package 3 | Drinking water | 850 | 2023 | NCC Ltd, Tata Projects |
| Vidarbha Lift Irrigation project | Irrigation | 950 | 2024 | GVPR Engineers, Patel Engineering |
(Compiled from Opposition documents shared with media)
Sector-Wise Breakup of MEIL Projects in Maharashtra
| Sector | Number of Projects | Total Value (₹ crore) |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Transport | 2 | 1,800 |
| Water Supply | 3 | 1,250 |
| Irrigation | 1 | 950 |
| Total | 6 | 4,000 |
(Opposition claims over ₹3,000 crore projects were manipulated to favour MEIL)
Opposition Demands Judicial Inquiry
NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil demanded a sitting High Court judge-led probe into the matter, warning that the Opposition will move court if the government fails to respond within a week. He said:
“This is not just about corruption but about sabotaging Maharashtra’s competitive procurement system. Megha Engineering is being favoured systematically at the cost of better bidders and taxpayers’ money.”
MEIL Reacts to Allegations
In a written statement, Megha Engineering dismissed all allegations, calling them “baseless and politically motivated”. The company said:
“MEIL participates in transparent bidding processes across states and wins contracts based on merit, pricing, and technical competence. We reject any claims of favouritism.”
Government’s Response
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis dismissed Opposition allegations as an attempt to malign the government ahead of upcoming municipal elections. He stated:
“All tendering has been done in a transparent manner as per norms. MEIL is a reputed national company executing projects efficiently in multiple states. If the Opposition has specific proof, they can approach courts. We will fully cooperate with any legal scrutiny.”
Megha Engineering’s Rapid Expansion Across India
Over the last five years, Megha Engineering has emerged as one of India’s top infrastructure firms with presence in:
- Oil & gas pipelines (including prestigious ONGC and GAIL contracts)
- Drinking water projects under Jal Jeevan Mission
- Tunnel works for urban metros in Mumbai and Bengaluru
- Lift irrigation projects in Telangana, Odisha, and Maharashtra
Industry observers note that the company’s aggressive bidding strategy and quick project execution have helped it secure mega contracts, but political controversies have followed in several states.
Past Controversies in Telangana and Odisha
Earlier, Opposition parties in Telangana had raised similar allegations of favouritism towards MEIL in lift irrigation and drinking water pipeline projects under the Kaleshwaram and Mission Bhagiratha schemes. However, state governments defended the contracts citing timely execution and technical complexity.
Opposition’s Political Strategy in Maharashtra
Political analysts believe that highlighting alleged corruption scandals will remain a key electoral plank for the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance in upcoming local body and assembly polls. A Mumbai-based political commentator observed:
“Infrastructure contract allegations resonate with urban middle-class voters who are concerned about governance integrity. If Opposition sustains this narrative with evidence, it could dent BJP-Shinde Sena’s development pitch.”
MEIL’s Recent Project Wins (2024-25)
| State | Project Name | Value (₹ crore) | Sector |
|---|---|---|---|
| Telangana | Kaleshwaram Package 12 | 2,300 | Irrigation |
| Odisha | Mega Water Supply to Urban Clusters | 1,400 | Drinking water |
| Karnataka | Bengaluru Metro Underground Section | 3,250 | Urban transport |
| Maharashtra | Vidarbha Lift Irrigation | 950 | Irrigation |
(Source: MEIL corporate announcements, 2024-25)
Calls for Stronger Procurement Reforms
Transparency International India urged all state governments to adopt stringent independent reviews for contracts above ₹500 crore to avoid perception of bias and safeguard public finances. In its recent report, it recommended:
- Mandatory public disclosure of all technical bid evaluations
- Independent third-party audits before awarding mega projects
- Empowering state vigilance bodies to investigate procurement complaints
Conclusion
The allegations of a ₹3,000-crore scam levelled by Maharashtra’s Opposition against the state government and Megha Engineering have triggered another political storm in the state. As the government rejects these charges and the company defends its credentials, all eyes are now on whether the Opposition will approach courts or anti-corruption agencies for further probe.
The issue is likely to gain momentum in the monsoon session of the Maharashtra Assembly, where Opposition parties plan to corner the government on public procurement transparency, administrative integrity, and corporate political proximity.
Disclaimer: This report is based on statements from Opposition parties, MEIL, and the Maharashtra government. Readers are advised to await the outcome of any formal probe or judicial intervention for final conclusions.
