<article class="text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-testid="conversation-turn-320" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn="assistant">
<div class="text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @[37rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @[72rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)">
<div class="[--thread-content-max-width:32rem] @[34rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @[64rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn" tabindex="-1">
<div class="flex max-w-full flex-col grow">
<div class="min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5" dir="auto" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="c5bd695b-058c-4594-9b53-b1bc02256d95" data-message-model-slug="gpt-4o">
<div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]">
<div class="markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words dark">
<p data-start="86" data-end="410"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Vadgam MLA and Congress leader Jignesh Mevani has raised concerns over alleged financial irregularities linked to preparations for Gujarat&rsquo;s state-level Independence Day celebrations in Porbandar on August 15. He claims that ₹2 crore is being spent on a landfilling project at the event site without a proper tender process.</span></p>
<p data-start="412" data-end="781"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">In a post on social media platform X, Mevani wrote, &ldquo;Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel is scheduled to attend the Independence Day celebrations in Porbandar. According to information received, the field selected by the Collector&rsquo;s office for the event, known for corruption, is undergoing landfilling work worth ₹2 crore &mdash; all without a tender. CM, are you aware of this?&rdquo;</span></p>
<p data-start="783" data-end="1247"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Porbandar District Collector S.D. Dhanani has dismissed the allegations, insisting that all procedures are being conducted transparently and in accordance with regulations. Speaking to <em data-start="968" data-end="982">Benefit News</em>, Dhanani said, &ldquo;The Roads and Buildings Department is handling all arrangements. Tenders are mandatory, and even in emergencies, clearly defined protocols are followed. These claims lack merit. If anyone has evidence of wrongdoing, they are welcome to present it.&rdquo;</span></p>
<p data-start="1249" data-end="1531"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">He confirmed that preparations are in full swing, including the construction of a large dormitory structure and other infrastructure, all overseen by the relevant government department. Dhanani reiterated that there is no scope for financial misconduct within the current framework.</span></p>
<p data-start="1533" data-end="1794"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Porbandar was selected to host Gujarat&rsquo;s 78th Independence Day celebrations as part of a tradition initiated by then-Chief Minister Narendra Modi to rotate the event across districts, encouraging broader public involvement and representation beyond Gandhinagar.</span></p>
<p data-start="1796" data-end="2010"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The celebrations will feature a ceremonial flag hoisting, a formal state parade, and an &lsquo;At Home&rsquo; reception. Dignitaries including Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel are expected to attend.</span></p>
<p data-start="2012" data-end="2112" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node=""><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Attempts to contact Jignesh Mevani for further comment were unsuccessful at the time of publication.</span></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="flex min-h-[46px] justify-start">&nbsp;</div>
<div class="mt-3 w-full empty:hidden">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>
</article>

Ahead of I-Day, Gujarat MLA alleges Rs 2 cr spent on landfilling with no tender issued

Mevani Flags Irregularities in Gujarat I-Day Prep

Ahead of I-Day, Gujarat MLA alleges Rs 2 cr spent on landfilling with no tender issued

August 1, 2025 | 18:26 IST