Team Herald
PONDA: The statement of Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude seeking the resignation of his PWD Minister Ramkrishna (Sudin) Dhavalikar over the bad condition of the roads in the State has irked the latter’s party and supporters.
Irked over Gaude’s remarks, Sudin’s supporters have demanded that minister Chief Minister sack the Art and Culture Minister for speaking against his own government and his colleague.
The sarpanchas from Marcaim constituency including Talavlim, Durbhat, Kundaim, Marcaim and Bandora have condemned Gaude’s statement as politically immature only to hide his “frustration” and “inefficiency” in his Priol constituency.
Speaking on behalf of Sarpanchas Mashal Adpoikar rejected Gaude’s statement on road condition stating that PWD Minister availed a lot of funds from Central Government and roads and NH works are in progress in Goa and it would be right to comment on status of roads only after the work is completed.
He alleged that Gaude, who failed to develop his Priol constituency, is jealous of Sudin. Adpoikar warned that if such things continue then the MGP supporters will consider supporting other political parties in coming Lok Sabha elections.
It may be recalled that Gaude in scathing attack on the PWD Minister had said, “Ramkrishna (Sudin) Dhavalikar is the minister for the PWD for the last 18 years. If he cannot handle the department, then he should resign immediately and the portfolio should be given to efficient people who can handle it in a better way”.
“If Sudin is getting older than he should take rest at home and if at all he wants to continue as PWD minister, he should plan things properly and also make the engineers work or the department should be given to private firm for smooth functioning,” he had said.
“Today we can see that roads are being washed away within six months. The engineers are happy when the road is washed away so that they can re-tender it and earn from the contractor and I can prove this. If they can’t handle the work, then why do we require an engineer? I have put in my own funds for works carried out in my constituency,” he had said.
He had challenged Sudin saying, “If the minister has the guts he should conduct an inquiry on these engineers and if found guilty they should be suspended.”
