In March 2024, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed a closure report in a high-profile corruption case involving Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and former Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel, stating there was “no evidence of any wrongdoing”. The Hindu
The alleged irregularities in aircraft leasing for Air India during Praful Patel’s tenure as Civil Aviation Minister (2004–2014) were first prominently highlighted by the BJP in its 2014 election chargesheet against the UPA government, where the party estimated the scam at ₹25,000–30,000 crore. The New Indian Express
In May 2017, the CBI registered an FIR in the case following directions from the Supreme Court to probe the leasing decisions.
The probe alleged that in 2006, Patel abused his position to lease several aircraft for five years to Air India in a manner that benefited private players, even though the airline was expecting its own aircraft deliveries soon after. The Times of India
Just eight months earlier, in July 2023, Praful Patel had broken away from Sharad Pawar’s NCP along with Ajit Pawar and joined the BJP-led NDA (Mahayuti) alliance in Maharashtra.
Why This Is a “Gem”
- Timing of the Clean Chit: The CBI closed the case shortly after Praful Patel formally aligned with the BJP-led alliance, leading opposition parties to accuse the agency of acting as a “washing machine” for leaders who switch sides.
- BJP’s Own Past Allegations: Ironically, the BJP had highlighted this very Air India leasing scam in its 2014 election chargesheet against the UPA government, describing it as a major corruption scandal. Once Patel joined the NDA, the case was closed.
- Pattern of Selective Closure: This is part of a larger documented pattern where several opposition leaders facing serious probes received relief from central agencies after joining the BJP or its allies.
- Public Perception: Opposition leaders from Congress and AAP openly termed the closure a “political favour”, questioning the independence of the CBI under the current regime.
The Real Cost
- Massive financial loss to Air India (and ultimately to Indian taxpayers) due to allegedly sweetheart leasing deals.
- Erosion of public trust in central investigating agencies like the CBI and ED.
- Weakening of institutional accountability, as serious corruption cases appear to be resolved based on political alignment rather than evidence.
- Discouragement of genuine whistleblowers and investigators who fear selective enforcement.
Broader Pattern Under BJP Rule
This case fits into a recurring pattern observed since 2014:
- Several leaders facing serious corruption charges have received relief, clean chits, or case closures after joining the BJP or its allies.
- Central agencies have been repeatedly accused of pursuing cases aggressively against opposition leaders while showing leniency towards those who switch sides.
- The selective use of investigative agencies has raised concerns about the politicisation of institutions meant to function independently.
Praful Patel continues to be a senior leader in the Ajit Pawar faction of NCP, which remains an important partner in the BJP-led government in Maharashtra.
Gems of BJP documents such cases to create a permanent, evidence-based public record. Our goal is not to oppose any political party, but to highlight instances where policies, decisions, or actions appear to undermine fairness, due process, equal protection, and institutional integrity for Indian citizens.
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