PANJIM: The opposition Congress party on Tuesday alleged that the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant was involved in a ‘Benami company’, which has been awarded transport contracts of e-auction mining ore.
However, the Chief Minister strongly refuted the allegations and said that the Congress were relating mining transport contract by his constituents to him.
Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) general secretary Vijay Bhike said that mining dependents are suffering since suspension of mining activity in 2012 and alleged that the Chief Minister was involved in “benami company” named ‘Surya Transport’ and was awarded contract to transport e-auctioned ore across the State.
There are many transport contractors, and why is only ‘Surya Transport’ being awarded these contracts?” questioned Bhike.
He demanded that truck operators/drivers and mining machinery owners who are suffering due to suspension of mining activities, should get work of e-auctioned mining ore handling.
“There is rumour that Pramod Sawant is a partner in this ‘Surya Transport’ firm or may be running it in ‘benami’ style. “Chief Minister should give clarification on this,” Bhike said.
He said that the BJP government had failed to create jobs, but during the election, they give promises of creating employment. He appealed to the youth not to fall prey to their tactics.
CM refuses allegations
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has strongly refuted the allegations made by opposition Congress about his involvement in `benami company.’
When contacted, Sawant said, “They (Congress) are relating transport contract operated by my constituents to me. I have no connection whatsoever with them. How can they (constituents) be my partner/s. There are many who are involved in transport contracts being from the mining belt,” he said.
