MLA says he is open to probe
TEAM HERALD
CURCHOREM: Curchorem MLA’s decision to offer gifts to people of his constituency ahead of the Ganesh festival has raised eyebrows, with an activist urging the Lokayukta to take action in the matter.
Cabral has, however, refuted the allegations and has stated that he is open to any investigation by any agency, as his actions are transparent.
“It has been reported on Facebook along with a photo that MLA Nilesh Cabral is giving gifts worth Rs 400 in a parcel with his name and party symbol to all families in his constituency. Considering around 8000 families in his constituency, he must have spent Rs 32 lakhs on these freebies. Has he reported these expenses in his books of account? The income tax and other government agencies should investigate,” stated a social activist Shrikant Barve.
“To uphold the democratic values and transparency in governance, the Goa government should investigate and inform the public regularly about expenses incurred by our MLAs on freebies after each festival,” he said.
Refuting the allegations, Cabral has said he is open to any investigation by any agency.
“My work is very transparent and I am not hiding anything. I have been giving gifts to people from my constituency, not only for Ganesh festival, but also to all other communities during their major festivals,” Cabral told Herald.
“By doing this service, I am not doing vote bank politics, but I’m sharing some part of my income towards my constituency as a token of love without differentiating people on the basis of party affiliations.”
“In fact, I have not only given gifts during festivals, but I have also given notebooks to students and I am even collecting garbage from the homes of my people on my own and with the help of well-wishers,” Cabral added.
