Mumbai Congress alleged a massive "Tea Scam" in CMO- Rs.3.35 cr

Mumbai, March 28: The Congress's Mumbai unit on Wednesday alleged a massive "Tea Scam" in Maharashtra Chief Minister's Office (CMO) where daily, an average of 18,500 cups of the hot beverage are served, costing nearly Rs.3.35 crore.

However, hours later, the CMO denied the allegations hurled by Mumbai Congress President Sanjay Nirupam.

Furnishing RTI documents, Nirupam said there has been a dramatic and steady increase in the amount of expenses incurred on tea consumption in the CMO in the past three years.

Citing RTI replies, he said the amount spent on tea has risen from Rs 57,99,156 in 2015-2016 to Rs 1,20,92,972 in 2016-2017 and then Rs 3,34,64,905 (almost Rs.3.35 crore) in 2017-18.

"This is a staggering increase of 577 per cent. It means that on an average, daily a whopping 18,591 cups of tea are served in CMO... How is it possible?" he asked.