PANJIM: In a direct reference to former Chief Minister late Manohar Parrikar, Revenue Minister Atanasio ‘Babush’ Monserrate alleged that it was Parrikar who engaged consultants in the planning process leading to corruption in the ongoing Smart City works in the capital city.
After attending the meeting of the Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd (IPSCDL) to review the ongoing works, Monserrate said that despite having engineers with 35 years experience, late Parrikar roped in consultants, who were involved in mass corruption. The ongoing mess in the Smart City works was due to the “old friend” consultants appointed by late Parrikar and the former managing director of Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd.
He reacted to the charges made by Utpal Parrikar, elder son of late Parrikar with regards to the Smart City works.
Monserrate said, “Tell me what the past Panjim MLA did for 25 years? Let his relatives show me one project that has been done for the people of Panjim. We are bearing the brunt of his shoddy works in Panjim.”
Monserrate further challenged Utpal to meet him during 2027 (Assembly elections).
“I am not interested in commenting on statements made by any Tom, Dick & Harry,” Monserrate said, while adding that he was very much aware of the problems faced by people due to Smart City works. He advised people to have patience and added that the ongoing works will be completed by May 31 this year.
On the other hand, Utpal said, “I don’t care what he (Monserrate) says. Everyone knows what CM Sawant and PM Modi have to say about late Parrikar. I am worried about small businessmen in Panjim, who have been going through hard times due to the ongoing Smart City works.”
Utpal said that Monserrate’s statements are insignificant and that the minister had to give deadline of May 31 for completion of Smart City works only after he raised the issue.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who chaired the Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd meeting, declined to comment on the statement made by his Cabinet colleague Monserrate.
Sawant said that the contractors have been asked to fast-track the works and complete them by May 31 this year.
BJP spokesperson hits back at Monserrate
PANJIM: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesman Giriraj Pai Vernekar said that the statement made by Atanasio Monserrate against late Manohar Parrikar were condemnable, unfortunate and far from truth.
Vernekar said that late Parrikar was a tall leader who worked to bring the BJP in power in the State and also went to become the Union Defence Minister. He was also the recipient of the
civilian award.
“It is not correct to level allegations against late Parrikar, who passed away five years back,” he said.
