PANJIM: ‘Generation Next’, led by Durgadas Kamat, filed a complaint with Porvorim Police Station against State Industries Minister and Shiroda MLA Mahadev Naik accusing him of committing fraud by taking governments loan of Rs. 30 lakh by the virtue of his position as legislator, for housing purpose, but subsequently utilised the same amount for commercial property in Ponda. However, BJP admitted the fraud, but claimed it to be a minor issue.
Addressing the media on Sunday, Durgadas Kamat said, “Porvorim Police should file FIR against Industries Minister Mahadev Naik under section 154 of IPC. We demand that FIR should be filed in 10 days after proper investigation into the matter.”
In a meantime, feigning ignorance on controversy, BJP state president Vinay Tendulkar stated, “Industries Minister Mahadev Naik has re-paid the amount.” However, BJP admitted the fact that funds were utilised by Mahadev Naik for commercial purpose.
In the meantime, GenNext also demanded that Mahadev Naik should not be allowed to attend on the first day of Assembly’s Monsoon Session. Kamat also urged all the legislators to oppose Naik on the floor of the House.
Speaking further, Kamat slammed Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar for defending the Industries Minister. He said, “We had given 48 hours ultimatum to State government to take action against the minister. But Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar today gave a statement saying he (Naik) has refunded the amount and the issue is small. It clearly shows that CM is trying to defend the corrupt minister.”
Meanwhile, he questioned why MLAs need housing scheme, when they have their own bungalows.
“Why do MLAs need this scheme?” he asked, demanding an audit on all the loans given to current as well as ex-MLAs of the State. He also sought an explanation from Mahadev Naik on the controversy.
Last week, five members of the State Legislative Assembly – two belonging to the main Opposition Congress party and three Independent legislators, had demanded the resignation of Industries Minister Mahadev Naik from the State cabinet, for his ‘alleged fraud’.
