The ghost of the Vyapam scam returned to haunt the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday, coaxing the Opposition Congress to demand the resignations of two top party functionaries. Controversy erupted soon after the state government issued directives for the annulment of the services of 45 transport constables in the wake of Supreme Court directives that sought their ouster due to alleged irregularities in their recruitment. Prompt in its response, the Congress immediately pounced on the opportunity and sought the resignations of former Chief Minister and incumbent Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Jagdish Devda, the current Deputy Chief Minister in the state. Leading the Opposition charge, former PCC chief Arun Yadav and former party spokesperson KK Mishra had a field day reviving the controversy that had claimed national headlines after it came to light in 2012. The annulment of the services of the transport constables was ordered by the Honble Court in directives issued in August 2023 and April 2024. On Wednesday, the transport secretary issued directives annulling the services of the 45 transport employees in adherence to the orders of the Supreme Court. The Congress has consistently maintained that the recruitment of 198 transport constables in 2012 was riddled with irregularities and has repeatedly targeted the BJP state government with allegations of impropriety and corruption in the process.The BJP, on the other hand, has been equally vocal in refuting the Congress claims and has stuck to its stance, saying the recruitment process was fair and in accordance with the regulations. Now, with the Supreme Court directing the state government for the annulment of services, the Congress is seeking an explanation from the ruling party. Mishra, who currently serves as media advisor to PCC chief Jitu Patwari, said that the state government has to explain why the annulment of services was sought by the SC when it had submitted before the courts that the recruitments had followed due procedures. Then PCC chief, Arun Yadav, too sought to revive the issue by highlighting the steps taken by the Congress party to corner the state government over the alleged recruitment scam.The Vyapam controversy was certainly one of the biggest issues in the Congress arsenal against its arch-rival, the BJP, but many in the state capital believe that the Opposition has failed to capitalize on the issue due to deft handling by the ruling party. The orders of the Honble Court and the subsequent directives of the state government having revived the controversy, it remains to be seen if the Opposition will finally manage to settle scores.

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