PANJIM: The State government has heaved a huge relief with the postponement of the National Games to next year, but the Congress, taking a dig at the Pramod Sawant-led government, has demanded the resignation of Sports Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar.

“The shameful act of the Goa Government to beg with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to once again postpone the National Games to 2020 is a clear indication of incompetency of the Chief Minister and SAG Chairman Pramod Sawant and Sports Minister Manohar alias Babu Ajgaonkar,” Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President Girish Chodankar said in a press statement issued on Sunday.

Chodankar has demanded that the Sports Minister resign on moral grounds “for his failure to hold the Games in time and for bringing a bad name to the State.”

 “I have my own doubts and apprehensions about the Games actually taking place in 2020. The Government has completely failed to create the infrastructure needed for the National Games despite repeated extensions given by IOA. It’s a shame that the BJP Government asked for postponements of the Games due to its failure to complete works of various facilities required for the Games in time,” he added.

He said that it is unfortunate that the chief minister has not taken any action against the Rs 61 crore scam exposed by the Congress pertaining to repairs and refurbishment of Nehru Stadium at Fatorda. 

He also urged the Chief Minister to review all the ongoing works of National Games and conduct an audit of expenditure incurred so far.