📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Joydeep
Politics
CAG Finds West Bengal Govt Did Not Spend ₹659 Cr COVID Funds, BJP Accuses Organized Crime
✍️ Amar Ujala
🗓 28 Jul 2026, 08:36 AM
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The Comptroller and Auditor General’s audit revealed that the West Bengal government failed to utilize the ₹659 crore earmarked for COVID-19 relief. The ruling BJP has called the findings evidence of organized crime.
The CAG audit report released on 15 September 2023 shows that the West Bengal government did not spend the ₹659 crore allocated for COVID‑19 relief. The funds were intended for medical supplies, testing kits and vaccination drives.
The audit highlighted that the money remained in the state treasury, with no corresponding expenditure records. Several departments were listed where the allocation was not utilized.
In response, the Bharatiya Janata Party has demanded an investigation, alleging that the unspent funds indicate organized crime involvement. The party has called for a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation.
The West Bengal government has yet to issue a formal statement. The CAG report is expected to prompt scrutiny from the central government and may lead to further investigations into the misuse of pandemic funds.
The audit highlighted that the money remained in the state treasury, with no corresponding expenditure records. Several departments were listed where the allocation was not utilized.
In response, the Bharatiya Janata Party has demanded an investigation, alleging that the unspent funds indicate organized crime involvement. The party has called for a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation.
The West Bengal government has yet to issue a formal statement. The CAG report is expected to prompt scrutiny from the central government and may lead to further investigations into the misuse of pandemic funds.