BJP National Secretary Arjun Singh has rejected allegations of bribery against government ministers made by former minister and BJP member Pandurang Madkaikar, calling them false.
Singh’s remarks came during a press conference in Goa, where he asserted that there was no need to investigate the allegations.
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Notably, newly appointed BJP state president Damu Naik and BJP Rajya Sabha member Sadanand Shet Tanavade, who were present with Singh, remained silent on the matter.
Madkaikar, after meeting BJP national secretary B L Santosh during his visit to Goa last week, had alleged that government ministers are engaged in large-scale corruption and looting people . He claimed to have personally paid a bribe of ₹15 to ₹20 lakh to a minister. Despite the gravity of the allegation, neither the BJP’s state leadership nor Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has issued any official response.
Against this backdrop, Singh was questioned by the media during his visit to Goa:
Q: There are allegations of corruption against the government. A former minister has publicly claimed that he had to pay a bribe to a minister. What does the Sawant government have to say about this?
Singh: Everyone knows that this allegation is false. The Sawant government is working with complete honesty. There cannot be a scam of even a single rupee. He is lying.
Q: The accuser is a former minister. Will the party take action against him?
Singh: The government is watching. The Sawant government is honest. He is lying.
Q: If the allegations are false, why would he approach the BJP national secretary for a party post and candidacy?
Singh: Let’s go… everyone knows why he is making these allegations.
Q: Without any scrutiny or investigation, how did you conclude that Madkaikar’s allegations are false?
Singh: Because everyone knows the Sawant government is honest. The people have repeatedly elected this government because of its integrity. We don’t need to verify Madkaikar’s statement.
Q: But he is a BJP leader, right?
Singh: Let him be whoever he is. The government is working honestly.
Q: Do you mean that his statement will not affect the party’s image?
Singh: Leave it alone! Let’s go! Happy Holi to everyone!
