In cricket, everybody makes money, lots of it. Lalit Modi discovered an innovative idea in the form of IPL to enrich the BCCI and himself. IPL is a bonanza for gamblers of all hues and shades. The controversy surrounding Lalit Modi probably is the result of a feud regarding sharing of the booty of the first IPL with others. There are warring camps within BCCI and Lalit Modi belongs to one such group.
When there was a change of guards at the BCCI, the new dispensation went for the jugular of Lalit Modi. He sensed it and did the vanishing act. If a thorough investigation is conducted on the working BCCI and its finances, a detective novel could be written in which politicians of different persuasions would be credible villains.
Now the main opposition party (has conveniently forgotten the colossal bungling it did when it was in power) that allowed Lalit Modi to escape from the clutches of law is shouting from the rooftops and baying for Lalit Modi’s blood. It wants to drag everyone into the murky waters who was associated with him whether in cricket or in business. And the TV channels are conducting day-today hearing, although they had already delivered the judgement and declared all guilty even before the hearing began.
Should not the Income Tax Department and the ED have launched investigation into the wheeling and dealing of the BCCI and the IPL managers when the wrongdoing was suspected to have been committed? Has hurling allegations—real or manufactured—become a tool to settle political scores? When false allegations are made and the media churn them, the victim suffers. Later when the allegation is found to be false, damage is already done. See the classic case of George Fernandes. A false allegation was levelled against him and it did irreparable damage to his reputation.
SND Poojary, Miramar
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Lalitgate scandal
The Lalitgate scandal continues to grow with each passing day with new names being added to the list of people who met Lalit Modi or may have any kind of dealings with him.
However since the BJP is the ‘Party with a Difference’ it is their duty to set their house in order first. And with the PM becoming dumb all of a sudden and no action being taken against any of its leaders who have admitted to helping him escape the law, it is clear that the BJP does not live by the same standard of public probity as it demands of the rest of the political class in the country.
Matias Lobo, Oman
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BJP’s double standard
During the last Lok Sabha election the BJP promised clean and efficient government and was very quick to demand the resignation from the UPA ministers on moral ground but now when their own ministers are facing allegations the BJP is using every possible dirty trick to save the ministers which exposes their double standard.
The RSS which champions itself the nationalist stand totally exposed when Rajasthan CM Vasundara Raje letter to UK was exposed on Times Now television. People who voted BJP to power are now feeling ashamed and cheated.
Sandrick Martins, Chinchinim
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Dislodge Raje
Now that the Rajasthan Chief Minister, Ms.Vasundhara Raje has spilled the beans and “admitted” signing on the affidavit to back former IPL czar, Lalit Modi’s application for resident status in the UK her stay in power has become untenable. Besides, allegations that Lalit Modi invested Rs.11 crore in Raje’s son and party MP Dushyant Singh’s company has also put her under a cloud. It is incomprehensible that despite all the brickbats hurled at Raje, many top leaders including Finance Minister Arun Jaitley have openly come out in support of the tainted leader and given her a clean chit. However, with the clamour for dislodging Raje growing louder by the day, the saffron party has got a fight on its hands.
N J Ravi Chander, Bengaluru
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Tiracol project
The Chief Justice of Bombay High Court last Friday, has rejected the transfer petition of M/s Leading Hotels Ltd., and also vacated the stay on the NGT proceedings and imposed costs of Rs 25000.
However, the said petitioner, taking advantage of the stay on NGT proceedings deployed heavy machinery and bouncers whom they call security men, to construct the road as well as to fell trees despite the fact that they had no valid license from the Forest Department, to fell trees. The villagers of Tiracol protested the wanton destruction of their peaceful village, but were helpless due to the stay.
In solidarity with the people of Tiracol thousands of Goans from all over the State joined them and asked the Goa Government to stop the project and save the environment and the villagers. However till date no action is taken. The fact remains that the government has the powers to rescind all the licence in public interest, law and order. In this context it is pertinent to point out that in the past the Goa Government in deference to the wishes of the people, rescinded all the approvals and licenses granted to the promoters of the Project Nylon 66 at Keri plateau in Ponda Taluka and refunded the entire amount paid to Goa IDC towards the land though possession of land was given to them and the work commenced.
J. M, de Almeida, Alto Porvorim
Environment awareness
It is extremely important that we Goans keep ourselves updated on the subject of environmental awareness, as else we will pay a heavy price of our complacency in the near future. While we continue to make merry in a susegad attitude, politicians and their backers with deep pockets are selling us out, polluting our water, land and air. Already they are contributing to a potential water crisis in the near future by now planning the diversion of Tillari Waters (Originally meant for irrigation/drinking) to MOPA and the Mammoth Golf Course at Tiracol.
How many of us know that Goa is going to lose a lot of its land via global warming and with the myophic policies coupled with the corrupt greed of our governing authorities, the actual negative fallout will be much more serious!
By being aware of the severe environmental implications, local people can act as watchdogs on the actions of their respective politicians including Muncipalities and Village Panchayats; to ensure the right development is taking place for the interest of the locals only and to be as environmentally friendly as possible.
Arwin Mesquita, Colva
