PANJIM: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has made a big U-turn this time in the decade-old drug-nexus case allegedly involving Roy Naik, son of sitting Congress MLA Ravi Naik. The ruling party, known for its u-turns on various controversial issues, was once upon a time loud and clear over alleged involvement of Roy in the lethal drug trade.
On Thursday, soon after Ravi Naik’s sons Ritesh and Roy formally made an entry into the BJP, the party pitched for Roy’s clean image. BJP president Sadanand Shet Tanawade denied that his party ever accused “Roy Ravi Naik” in the nexus.
“They are so many Roys. He is Roy Ravi Naik. Show us one single statement where BJP has named Roy Ravi Naik (in the drug nexus). There are reports of Roy being involved in drug nexus. Now I don’t know which Roy you are talking about. There may be many Roys. Give me specific statement and I will reply,” he said in reply to a media question on BJP’s allegations against Roy dating back to 2010.
The two former Congressmen, who joined the BJP in the presence of AYUSH Minister Shripad Naik, Rajya Sabha MP Vinay Tendulkar among other leaders, preferred to remain tight-lipped on the issue. Tendulkar was the party chief in Goa when it demanded action against Roy.
Tanawade further defended party’s stand claiming, “We have BJP former president who was heading the party for 6-7 years and now I am handling the charge for last 6 months.”
In 2010, when Congress was in the power and Ravi Naik held the portfolio of Home Minister, BJP demanded his resignation in view of the public statement made by Israeli national Yaniv Benaim alias Atala’s girlfriend, Lucky Farmhouse naming Ravi Naik’s son Roy in the police-drug mafia nexus. She had also claimed to identify him once called for identification.
“I confidently say that my party never said Roy Ravi Naik,” the BJP president reiterated.
On joining the ruling party, Ritesh refuted claims that the switch over from Congress was in the wake of ensuing elections. “I am not working due to the election. BJP is the right choice which is why I have joined the party,” he said to another question at the press conference at the BJP headquarter on Thursday. Roy, who barely spoke, said he has joined to work for the party.
“The pandemic has resulted in a cleaner environment. Bright future of @INCGoa clearly visible. Insecurity is rife in @BJP4Goa. As @goacm @DrPramodPSawant was confused between Corona & Covid, @ShetSadanand muddled between Roy Naik & Roy Ravi Naik. Goans will explain in 2022,” Girish Chodankar tweeted.